MikeLigalig.com

Why you still love/hate Ginamos?

TUBIGON Nutrition Council Program achieved the highest provincial nutrition recognition when it bested all other Bohol towns with total of 94.91 nutrition credit points to top ten other towns already in the top list.

Mayor Luna Piezas proudly received the trophy and cash prize, which the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) prepared for the winners in different categories during the awarding day Wednesday at the Jjs Seafoods Village.

That day, nutrition advocates from winning towns and nutrition awardees converged at the venue to receive their awards and get recognized for their outstanding efforts in fighting malnutrition.

After the highly innovative Tubigon NC program came Garcia Hernandez program with 93.82 and Panglao at 93.00 at close third.

Mabini program came fourth at 92.6, Catigbian at 92.3 placed fifth, Trinidad scored 91.35 to be at the sixth followed closely by San Miguel at 91.3 at seventh position.

Antequera got 91.28 to place eighth, Ubay at 90.71 placed ninth while Candijay and Balilihan reaped 90.17 to stay tied on tenth place in the province-wide search for best town nutrition programs.

Also awarded during the day were district honors for best barangay nutrition councils.

Dorol, Balilihan packed 90.5 points to win for District 1, Soom Trinidad got 91.5 to hitch the best spot on District 2 and Concepcion, Mabini won hands down for District 3.

Also winning in the town nutrition council program maintenance awards were Talibon at 99.4, Inabanga at 98.9 and Calape at 98 points.

On the outstanding nutrition scholar category, Inabangnon Virgincita Aunio bagged the prize.

Provincial Nutrition Council Coordinator Juliet Manliguez shared that a team composed of representatives from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Agriculture Office, Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Education evaluated the town programs last April 12 to June 2.

Towns that get an average of 92 to 94 ratings usually get to be considered outstanding winner in nutrition and has to maintain it to be called consistent outstanding winner in nutrition, she explained. (PIA)

First District Congressman and Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism Edgar M. Chatto authored 12 new laws nationalizing public high schools. Henceforth, these schools will receive funding support from the national government by operation of law, to ensure the delivery of quality education to poor but deserving students. This translates the commitment of the government pursuant to the constitutional mandate on education, in addressing the needs of the education sector such as classrooms, teachers, textbooks and payment of administrative costs.

These laws are: Republic Act No. 9753 â€" Congressman Pablo Malasarte National High School ; RA No. 9771 â€" Bantolinao National High School ; RA No. 9804 â€" Fermin Tayabas National High School ; RA No. 9805 â€" Fatima National High School ; RA No. 9806 - Baclayon National High School ; Ra No. 9809 - Mansasa National High School ; and RA No. 9810 â€" Calape National High School .

Congressman Chatto expressed that, “The public education sector may be confronted with the challenges which should not allowed to erode quality education for the needy. These legal frameworks which I crafted are institutionalized in our statute books to provide permanent financial assistance to these schools form the government, in view of the vicissitudes bureaucracy, which may subject the much needed funding support to instability. I am confident that with these laws now in place, our youth will be assured of a better educational foundation.”

Thrust of secondary education is the maximum development of the adolescent to make him effective and efficient in the roles that he will play in the different social groups to which he belongs whether in the academe or in the workforce. - Bohol Standard

Here is a lesson to be learned by law enforcers who breach protocol in conducting raid and arresting crime suspects and offenders.

The Court of Appeals (CA) reversed a Regional Trial Court (RTC) ruling which found a resident of Sagbayan guilty of illegal drug possession charges.

The appellate court ordered the immediate release of one Reynaldo Lapuja y Mesina from imprisonment after anti-drug policemen failed to observe lawful procedures in arresting him.

State prosecutors themselves recommended to the CA the acquittal of Lapuja due to defects in the conduct of the raid and the service of a search warrant by operatives of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Sagbayan PNP.

Citing Section 8, Rule 126 of the Rules of Court, the CA said searches must be done in the presence of the lawful occupants of the house and it is only in the absence of the former that two witnesses of sufficient age and discretion residing in the same locality may be called to witness the search.

Based on the testimonies of the policemen and a barangay tanod who took part in the raid, the CA said the appellant and his parents were not allowed to actually witness the search of police operatives since they were all herded in the sala of the house as the raiding team scoured his room (bedroom) and the premises outside his bedroom window.

The presence of a barangay tanod during the search, according to the CA, will not cure the irregularities done by the raiding team.

According to the appellate court, since the appellant and his parents did not witness the actual search of the room and the premises near the room’s window, his eventual arrest provides no proof of the regularity and propriety of the search in question.

The CA acknowledged that credence should be given to testimonies of prosecution witnesses who are police officers and presumed to have performed their duties in a regular manner in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

However, the ruling said that an accused cannot be convicted based on his presumption especially when pitted against ones’ presumption of innocence.

According to Atty. Alexander Lim, the counsel of appellant Lapuja, law enforcers should act with deliberate care and within the parameters set by the Constitution in its efforts to fight the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

Atty. Lim said that law enforcers who conduct raids must also bear in mind the observance of the sanctity of the home.

He added that many suspects have been arrested and convicted of drug possession due to planted evidence.

MOL Global Pte. Ltd. ("MOL Global"), an affiliate of leading online payment solutions provider MOL AccessPortal Berhad ("MOL"), and Friendster, Inc. ("Friendster"), the operator of a top global web site based on traffic and a leading social network in Asia, announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement under which MOL Global will acquire 100% of Friendster.

The principal shareholder of MOL is Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the Chairman and CEO of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, a leading, diversified Malaysian conglomerate that has annual revenues in excess of US.8 billion.

Following the acquisition, the operations of MOL and Friendster will be combined to create Asia's largest end-to-end content, distribution and commerce network, pairing MOL's offline retail channel partners and payment platform with Friendster's large online footprint, social network and user community in Asia.

"The merger with Friendster will continue to transform the social networking industry, combining a highly intuitive and successful social media site and online marketing channel with an integrated payment platform and content network which includes games, goods, gifts, music and video. We are creating a unique company that will be well positioned to provide content to a huge, regional user base, here in Southeast Asia," said Ganesh Kumar Bangah, president and chief executive officer of MOL.

MOL uses the leverage of a network of over 500,000 physical and virtual payment channels across 75 countries worldwide to collect payments for content and services. Its core markets are Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and India.

MOL has relationships with over 70 online game publishers that have a suite of over 200 online game titles. It also has partnerships with music, movie and video content owners and distributors across the region.

"Friendster and MOL are both industry pioneers and are close partners. This combination is a natural progression of our relationship and will be an industry-changing event," said Richard Kimber, chief executive officer at Friendster. "The new combined entity gives Friendster the kind of financial backing, retail distribution, and e-commerce infrastructure that will enable us to accelerate our strategy and create a locally relevant, fun experience for our users in Asia, both on and offline." - PNA

By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter

(HealthDay News) -- The good news is that a new report shows the percentage of American adults with high LDL cholesterol, the "bad" kind that clogs arteries, decreased by about one-third between 1999 and 2006.

The bad news is that too many of those who have dangerously high levels of LDL cholesterol don't know it, said study author Dr. Elena V. Kuklina, an epidemiologist and senior service fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her research is published in the Nov. 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"In the group with high LDL cholesterol, 60 percent of these people do not know they have this condition," Kuklina said. "They are in two major groups -- those who have never been screened, and those who have been screened but not diagnosed."

It is not as easy to test for LDL, rather than total blood cholesterol levels, including "good" HDL, Kuklina said. An LDL test requires fasting for the previous eight hours, "and if you are not prepared for this test, it is not going to be correct," she said. But testing someone and then not informing that person of a dangerously high LDL cholesterol level is not easy to explain, she said.

While many studies have found that overall cholesterol levels in American adults are decreasing, there has not been much information on LDL levels, Kuklina said. The study she did with colleagues at the CDC used data from consecutive results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It found that overall prevalence of high LDL cholesterol levels decreased from 31.5 percent in 1999-2000 to 21.2 percent in 2005-2006.

But there is no single definition of high LDL, the report noted. For persons at high risk of major problems because they have diagnosed heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular conditions, the desired LDL level is 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood. For those at intermediate risk because they have two or more risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking or a family history of heart trouble, the desired level is 130. For those at low risk because they have no more than one risk factor, the desired level can be as high as 160.

A troubling finding was that the greatest incidence of dangerously high LDL cholesterol is in the high-risk group. The prevalence of high LDL did decrease in that group, but only from 69.4 percent in the first survey to 58.9 percent in the last survey, the study authors reported.

ATT000001.gif
Riddle of the Day
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a big one.
Michael J. Fox has a small one.
Madonna doesn't have one.
The Pope has one but doesn't use it.
Clinton uses his all the time.
Bush is one.
Mickey Mouse has an unusual one.
Liberace never used his on women.
Jerry Seinfeld is very, very proud of his.
Cher claims that she took on 3.
We never saw Lucy use Desi's.
What is it?

Answer: A Last Name

By Joe Espiritu

      A few weeks ago, a wooden vessel modeled after an old boat dug up from the shallows of Masao, in what is now Agusan del Norte docked in Jagna. The boat named Diwata ng Lahi roughly translated as Spirit of the Race was crewed by climbers of Mt Everest and some naval personnel intended to tour Philippine ports before embarking on a voyage that will trace the route of ancient Malay seafarers.

      The voyage will have to be postponed. When the balangay, the native name for the vessel docked in Manila to undergo check up, it was found out that the ship borers had been busy. Teredos or ship borers had taken up residence in the dug out keel and planks reached by sea water.

      To a non seafarer, the affected boat seems to be intact or unaffected by those marine pests. Entrances to their holes are very small like pin pricks that they could hardly be noticed. Beneath the surface however is riddled with tunnels. The hull will leak badly that sailors will be aware of the infestation before the planks stove in due to weakness.

      Anyway, the balangay named Diwata must be dry docked for teredo infestation, repairs and waterproofing. Otherwise they will be bailing out water on the high seas. It would be a ridiculous situation for the conquerors of Mt Everest clinging to a swamped vessel waiting for rescue.

      Marine borers called teredos; tamasok in the vernacular had been the problem of wooden ships plying the tropics. Ship borers are not worms but mollusks, which destroy pilings docks and ship hulls. Their lifespan is 2 to 10 months and will grow up to 3 inches. Sub specie the tamilok will grow up to 3 feet. They bore cylindrical burrows. The hulls of the British wooden Men o’ War are sheathed with copper to prevent teredo infestation.

      Apitong, the timber used on the Diwata cannot prevent teredo. Old wooden boat builders use the tipolo or wild breadfruit tree for casko and planks. Some use the balobagtuk a timber tree, which sap irritates the skin. However, when the resin is eventually leached out or dissolved by seawater, shipworm infestation sets in. To prevent osmosis - seepage of seawater into the wood - boats are beached or kept out of water when not in use. But this is only possible for smaller boats.

      Ancient boat builders daub their hulls with resin. However, resin surfaces do not stand hard use. Later they used coal tar locally called alketran or barnis a corruption of the word varnish. Coal tar is smelly, like resin, it is initially sticky but dries to a hard finish and can withstand heavy usage. But coal tar is always black and old boats are derisively called Black Hawks.

      At present boat builders use marine paint. To waterproof their boats and ships they use marine epoxy. Aside from that, they can choose any color they fancy. This time, sailboats and boats powered by four stroke gasoline engines sport all colors of the rainbow. Only tightwads, those who skimp on marine paints find their boats riddled by teredo holes.

      Shipworms do not like freshwater. As mollusks, they may tolerate low salinity, as low as 10 part per million salt on freshwater. There had been stories that in Loboc some people cut open submerged logs for tamilok. The story teller may be pulling our leg. However, though Loboc may be some few kilometers up river it seems seawater penetrate upwards when the Loay River flow weakly. Freshwater may flow on the surface but seawater being heavier may be beneath the fresh.

Making investment easy in Bohol
By Romy Tereul
Sunday Post

   Six months before elections is a time for development projects to step aside to give way to partisan political activities.  That was before.  This time around it is different.  Could it have been caused by the early filing of certificates of candidacies for candidates?  Or are we seeing the birth of new era in politics?

   Last week we saw politicians “stabbing” each other at the back.  We thought this week they would be  “killing” each other.  But no.  The rules of the game have changed in favour of a more sober approach to resolving controversies.

   This is good because while everybody wants to be entertained and cheer on the players, it is a reality that we need to continue to move on to put in place the engines of development.

   We would have wanted to see a more combative players knowing that the first blood, so to speak, has been drawn and spilled.  If things were of the old ways, any work for the people’s welfare would have stood still and partisan political activities taken over the whole situation.

   But no, the old ways did not only stop.  The old ways did an about face and run away, for good, we hope.  Because of that the vacuum it left was immediately filled by things that benefit the people.

   We are referring to the awaited result of the Aumentado-Chatto-Cajes political tiff that Boholanos thought signalled the start of the entertainment that Philippine political culture always give the people.  It is turning out that the initial bombs are being deliberately diffused so the unity that characterized the relationship of our political leaders in the horizon of Bohol will be sustained.

   The governor chose the sober approach befitting the stature that he has attained in his political career unblemished by any defeat.  In so doing he got what he wanted -the CONA- and at the same time had time to work on the realization of projects that are among his legacies as Governor.

   Again we are talking of the Bohol Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) which was launched last Friday with no less than Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila as guest of honor and speaker.  To the Boholanos that eclipsed the CONA brouhaha and even the peace and order problem in Maguindanao that merited a proclamation of Martial Law in that province.

   For years Bohol and its leaders have been working to bring investors to Bohol to generate more jobs for the Boholanos so that they need not go to foreign lands because they have to but because they want to.

   In the Bohol BOSS, investors will see and feel the sincerity of the Boholanos in inviting them.  It will make investing in Bohol as easy as coming to Bohol and as attractive as the tourist attractions of Bohol.  Almost like a copy of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC), the Bohol BOSS will serve all the needs of the investors to invest in Bohol in one place and one building.

   For the first time agencies of government who have something to do with setting up a business will be housed in one office to assist investors and businessmen be they local or foreign.

   So election after all need not be a spoiler of development projects.  All it needs are good programs and determined leaders out to leave a legacy.

TWO Boholano Red Cross Youth (RCY) leaders recently received the Most Outstanding Red Cross Youth award in the Philippines during the 16th National Youth Congress on December 2-5 at Grand Manila Hotel, Manila.

     The Boholano awardees were Camille Ingking- -one of the top 10 awardees, and Emmanuel Pilayre- -one of the 15 national finalists.

     They were among the Ten Most Outstanding RCY volunteers chosen based on exemplary leadership, exceptional academic performance and tremendous delivery of PNRC services geared towards alleviating human suffering that they have rendered to their respective chapters.

     The awarding was part of the closing ceremony of the 16th National youth Congress at Skydome, SM North last December 5.

     Ingking and Pilayre shared their awards to all RCY volunteers in Bohol and expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors headed by Bohol PNRC chairman, Governor Erico Aumentado and to the staff headed by the chapter administrator, Nenita Briones and Narcisa Bugo, and CSR-FR/RCY for their constant support and prayers.

     Both Ingking and Pilayre aim to inspire other youth to indulge and serve more the suffering humanity.

     The two young leaders raise their vision that states, “Red Crossers: always first, always ready and always there”.

     Ingking is presently a Junior nursing student of Holy Name University.

     Her voluntary service in the PNRC started in her high school days at CVSCAFT-Tagbilaran campus.

     She became the president of their school council and was elected as president of the entire Bohol Chapter Youth Council 2007-2009.

     The position entitled her to sit as ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of Bohol Red Cross Chapter.

     Knowing her potentials, the Board of Directors designated her as the assistant secretary and the chairperson of the Youth Committee.

     As immediate past president of the Chapter Youth Council, she heads the League of Presidents in the entire RCY school councils in Bohol.

     Ingking said her participation in the different congresses, trainings and values formation activities of the organization had helped develop her leadership potentials and enhanced her potentials to grow into a certified national leadership trainer.

     She has been active in organizing events aimed at inspiring the youth to move and help the needy.

     This year, she was one of Bohol delegations to the 16th congress where she was elected to the National Youth Council Office and as coordinator of the Red Cross Youth Council in the Visayas Regions.

     On the other hand, Emmanuel Pilayre is a Junior BSIT student of HNU.

     He started his membership and environment in Red Cross activities when he was still in high school at Holy Spirit School.

     He became an auditor of the Chapter Youth Council and chairperson of the pledge 25, a youth voluntary blood donor- -under the Red Cross program that motivates youth to donate blood so others may live longer.

     Also a national leadership trainer, he presently serves as the president of Red Cross Youth Council- Bohol chapter and an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of the PNRC.

     All finalists from different chapters in the country went through a series of panel interview with different personalities in the organization.

     Last December 1, they had a friendship tour to establish closer camaraderie sharing thought and exchanging of ideas to help shape the future of the Red Cross Youth in the next five years. - SUNDAY POST

A daughter of reelectionist Councilor Lucio Balbin will be running in his place in next year’s polls.           

Genesyl Balbin will assume the spot to be vacated by her father after he fell ill last week.           

The younger Balbin brings in a fresh dimension to the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) slate headed by Mayor Dan Lim and ex-Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol -Montes.           

She holds a Master in Public Administration from the Holy Name University .           

A resident of Cogon district, she is expected to benefit from a solid base nurtured by her father.           

G-Jaw, her nickname, is also a well known youth leader who is active in church work.           

Although the elder Balbin’s candidacy has not yet been officially withdrawn, it is expected to be formalized Monday which is the deadline for the substitution of candidates.           

He is recuperating from a stroke that he suffered last week but the NPC believes it will be premature to send him on the campaign trail.           

The decision was reached to tap Balbin’s own daughter not only because it would allow one who knows his visions but also because she is capable of serving in the same capacity in her own right.           

She is not new to the position since she serves as a local legislative staff in the city council.           

NPC believes that she will further boost an already powerhouse team because she brings in not only youthful dynamism and idealism but also a wholesome personality.           

Add to that the fact that she is one of only two female aspirants in the NPC ticket and her being a religious leader.           

The name of course is a major factor.           

A silent but dedicated worker, the elder Balbin was supposed to seek his third and last term.           

Widely respected for his unassuming ways, the elder Balbin’s good name is expected to boost the chances of his daughter.           

According to NPC sources, it will not be simply a sympathy vote but at the same time a vote for one who is well-qualified to serve in the city council. - Sunday Post

      Adding meaning to Christmas, the provincial government extends “extra extra cash gift” to its employees based on the recommendation of the Local Finance Committee.

      Upon Governor Erico Aumentado’s endorsement of LFC resolution 16-2009, the Provincial Board passed a resolution authorizing the Christmas windfall.

      The maximum extra benefit reaches P20,000 for each of the qualified officials, regular employees, and casual workers in the plantilla- -P10,000 comes as extra cash gift and the other P10,000 as additional extra cash gift for exemplary overall performance of the provincial government.

      Contractual and casual workers on job order basis would receive cash gift of P5,000 each, subject to guidelines.

      This is to promote the “welfare of government workers and in the light of the holiday season,” as supported by existing budget circulars, the governor cited in his letter to Vice-Governor Julius Caesar Herrera and the PB Members, dated December 3, 2009.

      Herrera pushed for the immediate approval of the resolution during PB’s regular session last week, since the governor requested for its exemption from the three-reading rule under the House Rules as it be considered a priority administrative measure to be taken up in the Presiding Officer’s Time.

      Herrera finds it logical and timely to give and provide extra bonus to all employees and officials as a way of alleviating the economic hardship facing government workers at present.

      PB also adopted the guidelines, in line with DBM policies, in granting cash gift to contractual and casual workers on job order basis attached to the LFC resolution passed on October 22.

      Based on the guidelines, those who had served for at least four months by October 31, this year but still in active service until December 15 are entitled to 100-percent cash gift equivalent to P5,000.

      Those who had served below four months but not less than three months by October 31 this year but are still in active service until December 15 will be entitled to 80 percent of the cash gift equivalent to P4,000.

      Those who had served below three months but not less than two months by October 31 this year but are still in active service until December 15 will be entitled to 60 percent of the cash gift equivalent to P3,000.

      Those who had served below two months but not less than one month and a half by October 31 this year but are still in active service until December 15 will be entitled to 40 percent of the cash gift equivalent to P2,000.

      The LFC cited in its October 22 resolution that the provincial government has accumulated a total of P33 million from the salary savings of unfilled positions and the supposed regular benefits that go with them.(RVO)   

The provincial government has finally put in place the fast lane in investment transactionsâ€"the Bohol Business One-Stop Shop (Bohol BOSS)- -in an effort to boost the influx of investors by making it easier to start any business.

      Bohol now stands as the second province in Central Visayas, next to Cebu, to have set up the BOSS in consonance with Republic Act 7470 or the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) of the Philippines Act of 1992 approved on April 29, 1992.

      Upon the instruction of Governor Erico Aumentado, the Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC) has renovated its office at the first floor of the Governor’s Mansion to accommodate the desks of partner agencies are involved in processing investment requirements and prerequisite papers.

      The governor led local officials in the launching Bohol BOSS last Friday, graced by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter Favila and DTI-7 Regional Director Aster Caberte- -a Boholano.

      In his opening remarks during the program, Aumentado pointed out that Bohol BOSS would be instrumental in establishing the business climate of the province, especially that the provincial government has forged partnership with foreign investors for the Multi-Access Cluster project and the development of economic zones- -the Talibon Special Economic Zone and the Panglao Tourism Zone.

      Aumentado agreed with Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim in citing that, in many cases, the complex process of complying business requirements discourage investors and that the one-stop shop offers the solution as it would simplify everything.

      Part of the opening program, Aumentado led the members of the Governing Board in the declaration of commitment where they vowed to work together in promoting “Bohol's competitiveness, revenue generation and business empowerment; and to actively stimulate entrepreneurship and productivity in the entire province”.

      The body also committed “to initiate efforts to improve the business registration, permit and licensing system in the province”.

      The provincial government, represented by the governor, also signed a memorandum of understanding with partner agencies, represented by their heads- -DENR, DAR, DTI, BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig HDMF, BCCI, city government of Tagbilaran, and the local government units of Panglao, Dauis, Talibon and Ubay- -on their respective duties and roles in the operation of BOSS as an institution that streamlines business processes and procedures, simplify and harmonize business requirements.

      For his part, Favila said the BOSS addresses the problem on red tape which actually is the mission that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has assigned him to accomplish and he understands her point, considering that the President sponsored the Nerbac Law when she was still a senator.

      The secretary said this is the reason why he has instructed regional directors of DTI to set up Nerbac in every region to set as model for the provinces.

      Favila also said that in the President’s many trips abroad that he had joined, promoting Philippines would always involve mentioning Bohol as one of the top growth areas of the country.

      The secretary also commended Aumentado for having hauled Bohol from the list of poorest provinces in the country by addressing poverty that also solved the insurgency problem of Bohol.

      “I’ve never [met] a government official as honorable as Governor Erico Aumentado. I joined the public service five years ago as I was from the private sector. Governor Aumentado is one of the officials I have high respect for,” Favila said.

      Aumentado- -who also chairs the Bohol Investment Board- -said that with Bohol One-Stop Shop (BOSS) the provincial government would be able to respond immediately to the requirements of investment in Bohol, especially with the increasing influx of investors.

      In presenting the project, BIPC Head Maria Fe Dominise said the BOSS has been intended to streamline business processes and licensing systems and is anchored on the strong government support.

      Dominise cited the edge of Bohol  as one of the top tourist destinations in the country, to be dubbed as "a promising location for both business and pleasure and that Bohol provides quality services at competitive costs in a resort environment that offers a high quality of life".

      Through the BOSS, BPIC intends to "encourage investments and enterprises to locate in the province by making business registration procedures simpler and easier as it will house mandated and partner agencies involved in business registration application under one roof," Dominise explained.

      Dominise also cited the Bohol Investment Code which offers fiscal Incentives like exemption from real property tax for seven years, tax credit of 10 percent of the total cost of infrastructure to be deducted from future real property tax liability within a period of seven years.

      The non-fiscal incentives include assistance and services of BIPC and services of the BOSS like registration of businesses permits, facilitating licenses requirements, and assistance in the preparation of project studies from certified BDSPs.

      The BIPIC head also explained that "we need to create opportunities that spur sound economic activities through investments/enterprises that provide sustainable livelihood and quality employment for people".

      This is "to create wealth in Bohol through entrepreneurial profit, and the purchasing power from quality employment", she said.

      "Bohol is an attractive and competitive destination for business. This province and the country for that matter, shall rise several notches higher towards being a competitive destination for doing business and offering a better quality of life for all who locate in Bohol,” Dominise said.

      She also cited that the SME sector in Bohol is expanding, but figures show that in the food processing industry, the number of unregistered food processors surpass the number of registered firms with business names, and the operation of BOSS will address this.

      Based on the vision that the BIPC team formulated, BOSS will function as an investment service facility with international standards that provides one-stop assistance and ensures an enabling environment for investors to locate and engage in sustainable business in Bohol.

      For its mission, BOSS ensures that Bohol’s competitiveness as an attractive investment destination by providing efficient 24/7 business-related services towards promoting sustainable growth and development.

      "Our goal then, as enablers, is to encourage investments and enterprises in the province and to take up the challenge of making the business of getting into business simpler and easier for entrepreneurs and investors,” Dominise pointed out.

      In support to BOSS and other developmental efforts of different sectors, the website http://newsdeskbohol.wetpaint.com offers the Subject Matter page- -now going online, for information dissemination services through the borderless worldwide web. 

By JUNE S. BLANCO

  BOHOL Gov. Erico Aumentado Friday led local officials in inaugurating P25 million worth of infrastructure projects in the interior town of Sevilla, 32 kilometers northeast of the capital, Tagbilaran City.

 The inauguration coincided with the Vesper Day of the town’s fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

 The projects include the P15-million Sevilla Bogwak Waterworks System that has brought water fo Poblacion and later on, the other 12 barangays via a 12-km. pipeline from the source â€" the Bogwak Spring in Barangay Magsaysay; the P4.375-million Sevilla Multi-Purpose Center and the P5.08-million asphalt overlay on the Sevilla Circumferential Road.

 Using his signature convergence strategy, Aumentado solicited for the waterworks project P1 million from Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and P2.5 million from the national government’s Poverty Alleviation Fund under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through Rep. Adam Relson Jala of the 3rd District and his immediate predecessor â€" his father Eladio.

 The local government unit of Sevilla under Mayor Ceferino Digal and the barangays put in P1.7 million while the provincial government put up the balance.

 On the other hand, Zubiri also contributed P1.2 million for the multi-purpose center, as well as Senators Manuel Villar and Ramon Magsaysay Jr., P500,000 each. The provincial government put up the balance through an allocation approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan under Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera,

 The Herrera-led lawmaking body also approved P5.08 million for the asphalt overlay of the road that is also the route of the procession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Although already concreted, the road has deteriorated in several places, hence, the asphalt overlay.

 The multipurpose center was built by contractors Ricomar Construction, Maghuyop Construction and I.S. Easy Construction, implemented by the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) under Provincial Engr. Edwin Vallejos.

 For the waterworks, aside from the PEO, the Municipal Engineer’s Office under Engr. Alma Ganas also contributed much in the procurement of the pipes, the excavation and laying out of the same.

 Aumentado has a soft spot in his heart for Sevilla â€" it being the hometown of his wife, Peregrina or “Grenie.”

By Sen Guingguing
Sunday Post

      At least seven lawyers seek vice mayoralty seats in different towns of Bohol to race along with 18 reelectionists.

      The seven aspirants from the legal sector are Lawyers Jodel Cabahug for Baclayon, Dennis Hora for Panglao, Allan Columa for Dauis, Antonino Jumawid for Batuan, Rey Amora for Candijay, Nuevas Tirol-Montes for Tagbilaran City, and Pepito Suello for Getafe.

      The reelectionists include Vice-Mayors Edwin Ladeza for Loon, Tranquilina Maniwang for Sikatuna, Necitas Digaum for Catigbian, Alfredo Batausa for Tubigon, Wenceslao Lao for Inabanga, Eustaquio Flor for San Isidro, Francisco Gonzales for Trinidad, Nestor Abad for President Garcia, Jonathan Reyes for San Miguel, Ronald Louel Tirol for Buenavista, Jorge Buslon for Valencia, Danilo Guivencan for Dimiao, Patton Olano for Duero, Ann Dy for Candijay, Basilio Balajay Jr. for Alicia, and Luisito Digal for Loboc.

      Some mayors opted to slide down to the vice mayoralty race.

      Antequera Mayor Cecilia Rebosura slides down to the vice mayoralty race, her preferred position even in the 2007 elections. She assumed as mayor when Mayor Jaime Quibel died.

      New comers for the vice mayoralty race in the first district are Felix Bolofer and Democrito Lamdagan for Baclayon; Evangeline Lazaro for Panglao; Pedro Honculada Jr., Teodulfa Refamonte and Pacifico Branzuela for Dauis; Virgilio Fortich for Tubigon; Lilioso Nunag for Antequera, Levi Carmona for Loon; Salvio Madanguit, Teodoro Nazareno and Esteban Chatto for Balilihan; Mayor Vito Rafal and Parting Curso for Corella; Julian Manigo for Sikatuna; Jerry Ruizol and Nelson Yu for Calape; Jet Ugdoracion, Romeo Salon and Teodulo Pinlac for Albur; Romeo Labor and Danilo Montero for Cortes, Fructoso Redulla and Resolosa Maribojoc; and Glorivic dela Serna for Tagbilaran City.

      First-timers in the vice mayoralty race in the second district include Heginio Dumagan and Pablo Leo Mayor Jr. for Dagohoy; Osmundo Flores for Inabanga; Camilo Torremocha and Simon Torreon for Getafe; Marcos Aurestila and Sito Artiaga for Talibon; Costan Reyes, Clarita Alesna and Jojie Butawan for Ubay; Eudoxio Asoy for San Isidro; Mayor Hermogenes Diezon, Felimon Alison and Manuel Basio for Clarin; Florecer Gonzales for Trinidad; Ricardo Cutamora and Mark Anthony Solon for President Carlos P. Garcia; and Mayor Jimmy Torrefranca for Inabanga.

      In the third district, the contenders include Sinforiano Cutin and Jovito Flores for Sevilla; Mayor Simplicio Maestrado and Edgardo Galve for Sierra-Bullones; Isidro Dango for Valencia; Ernesto Fuentes, Emelio Garcia and Mayor Stephen Rances for Mabini; Welfredo Bernante and Alvin mante for Pilar; Pio Salmasam and Mayro Myrna Scheurs for Garcia-Hernandez; Maria Edith Hoffmann for Guindulman; Paulino Tejano and Sedrito Tejano for Loay; Alexis Taldo for Loboc; Consolacion Vinluan for Batuan; Fanuel Cadeliña and Arnold Calamba for Bilar, Paul Amper, Agustin Makinano and Cipriano Amoguis for Anda; Leonardo Namoco for Alicia; Lilia Cadorna and Timoteo Pizana for Candijay; Pedro Budiongan Jr. and Councilor Nathaniel Binlod for Carmen; Dennis Magtajas for Dimiao; Mayor Manuel Tan for Duero; Mayor Exuperio Lloren and Yolanda Aviles for Jagna.

A still unidentified suspect left no mercy for a grandmother in Sagbayan town when he mauled her with no regard for her age and condition.           

The victim was identified as one Isabel Bartel, 76, a resident of Barangay San Ramon, Sagbayan.           

Bartel sustained bruises and cuts on her face, mouth and head after a lone suspect mauled her about 7:30 pm last Dec. 6.           

The victim was on her way to the comfort room when the suspect suddenly pounced on her. The victim was naked on the waist up and covered his face with his shirt.           

Police investigators learned that the suspect threatened the victim with a bolo and shoved her to the floor.           

The suspect demanded money from the victim and when she refused, punched her repeatedly in different parts of her body until she passed out.           

While she was unconscious, the suspect searched her belongings and took away two Nokia cellphones, ATM card and cash amounting to P2,500.           

The suspect immediately fled after the incident.           

Bartel was subsequently brought to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital for treatment.             

Meanwhile, policemen continued their operations against illegal gambling when they raided a suspected gambling operation personality in Jagna town.           

The suspect was identified as one Christopher Acasio, of legal age and a resident of Barangay Canjulao, Jagna town.           

Chief Insp. Germano Mallari, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Bohol chief, led the raiding team.           

The raid, carried out last Dec. 8, was made by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Dionisio Calibo of the Regional Trial Court Branch 50 in Loay town.           

Recovered during the raid were various gambling paraphernalia and cash worth P2,500.           

The suspect was placed under the custody of CIDG Bohol in Camp Dagohoy pending the filing of appropriate charges. - Sunday Post

Based on the value chain approach, members of the Jagna Calamay Makers and Vendors Association (JACAMAVEA) set sustainability direction for the next five to ten years during the recent strategic planning workshop facilitated by STEP UP Consulting Services.

      The planning workshop of JACAMAVEA had the support of national and provincial agencies in the effort to sustain the century-old industry as a micro-enterprise.

      With the initial financial assistance from the provincial government Jagna’s original calamay industry now positions for grander plans.

      STEP UP Consulting Services Managing Consultant Michael Cañares facilitated the two-day activity.

      Mayor Exuperio Lloren personally commended the JACAMAVEA and the various partners of the calamay industry for their undying commitment in several activities which have been conducted at different levels.

      Great Women Project (GWP) Manager Ma. Luzviminda Villanueva, who personally came over from Manila, to observe the direction-setting also congratulated the participants.

      Committed partners who participated in the activity included the Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Ma. Elena Arbon, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) president Marietta Gasatan, BCCI Project Assistant Yoradyl Israel, Local Area Coordinator of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) Estrella Espinosa, DOLE’s Gerry Guidaben, and Celerina Galorio of APC- Bohol.

      Great Women Project Municipal Technical Working Group (WMP-MTWG), chaired by Jagna first lady Nimfa Abaya-Lloren, took charge of the activity. - Sunday Post

By JUNE S. BLANCO 

THE revocation of the certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) of Mayor Judith del Rosario Cajes retroacts to its date of issue.

  Thus the Lakas-Kampi-CMD hierarchy resolved the controversy enfolding the bids for official candidate status of graduating Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and Cajes, mayor of Trinidad, who wants to assume the congressional seat of her similarly graduating husband Roberto.

  Prospero Pichay, secretary of political affairs of the Office of the President and chair of the party’s arbitration committee flew to Bohol Friday to help smoothen raised hackles and ruffled feathers â€" and pave the way for unity and cooperation again among local leaders rocked by their over-eagerness to serve their constituents.

  In a sworn statement issued on December 11 in Tagbilaran City and notarized by lawyer Handel Lagunay, former provincial legal officer turned provincial administrator, Pichay said his committee had evaluated Aumentado’s request for reconsideration after his CONA was revoked and another CONA for the same position was issued in favor of Cajes.

  Pichay said after a careful deliberation and consideration of the facts, circumstances and party rules, the committee found merit in Aumentado’s request, and as such, hold and sustain that the validity and effectivity of his CONA with serial no. 22565 was uninterrupted from the time of its issuance up to the present.

  At the same time, the committee recommended the revocation of the CONA of Mayor Cajes with SN 22522 retroactive to the time it was issued.

  He said the clear intent of the party decision in the aforecited action taken was to revert to the original decision of fielding Aumentado as their only candidate for the second district of Bohol.

  Lakas-Kampi-CMD also sent the Bohol office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) a letter dated December 4 but received at the Office of the Governor on Decenber 9 that turned the table on Cajes â€" the party has reinstated Aumentado’s CONA and revoked hers. New party president Miguel Rene Dominguez and secretary general Francis Xavier Manglapuz signed the letter.

  To note, Aumentado, party members and the Boholanos in general did not like it when Rep. Cajes who was supposed to be gubernatorial candidate Rep. Edgardo Chatto’s running mate filed his candidacy for mayor of Trinidad instead.

  Aumentado had filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) with a CONA dated November 18 signed by then party president Eduardo Ermita and then secretary general Gabriel Claudio.

  He submitted the documents to Comelec-Bohol at the New Capitol Annex together with Chatto, Cajes, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and former Gov. Rene Relampagos â€" congressional bets for the 3rd and 1st Districts, as well as their candidates for board members â€" following the “unity mass” they attended at the Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Tagbilaran City.

  With their documents in, the party members held each other’s hands and raised their arms in the traditional symbol of unity and endorsement in the political world â€" before proceeding to the Bohol Tropics Resort for the “unity dinner” to celebrate the filing that would mark a new chapter full of changes in local Lakas-Kampi-CMD history.

  But the Cajeses pulled the rug out from under everyone’s feet when, with a CONA affirming her nomination and revoking Aumentado’s that would have turned the latter into an independent candidate, she filed her candidacy that would pit her against the governor who is a congressional veteran.

  Just a few hours after the filing, Chatto already went on the air to explain that the revocation was prompted by the governor’s alleged “committing acts inimical to the party” as gleaned from “intelligence reports.” But Aumentado could not get heads or tails of the accusation. The revocation is deemed a “punishment,” hence he said he was “convicted” â€" without due process.

  “I was victimized by a treacherous cabal!” Aumentado had said.

  For one, her CONA was dated November 30, but with the serial number interestingly ahead of Aumentado’s. The letter informing the Bohol Comelec of the affirmation of Cajes’ CONA that also revoked Aumentado’s, signed only by Manglapus and deputy secretary general Raymundo Roquero was dated December 1.

  President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, then party chair until she turned it over to presidential timber Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro had ordered Yap to get to the bottom of the rigodon â€" and the rest is now history.

  With Pichay when he made the statement were Yap and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila.

  A neophyte in Bohol politics, Yap had earlier said solving the world food crisis is a lot easier than untangling the local political scenario.

Bohol Standard: Political focus is now centered at the second congressional district where internal conflict among administration party members has come to boiling point.

If Lakas members, Gov. Erico Aumentado and Trinidad mayor Judith Cajes push ahead to a collision course, opposition bets may end up victorious from the spoil. Broadcast journalist and businessman Andy Manatad is being closely watched as the best contender outside the administration camp.

Manatad, who hosts shows in the Cebu based television network channel 47 of INTV-CCTN, is running under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).

His platform of government is founded on good governance where the efficiency of basic services will revolve. He believes that it is high time genuine good governance should be a centerpiece of politics in the second district which has been long neglected by politicians that did nothing to ease the plight of the people.

The incumbent officials have long been alleged to have corrupted their power and allegedly enriched themselves.

The people of the second district have been longing for change as they have been wanting from the care and the services of the government

He calls for transparency and accountability of government officials in using public funds for the benefit of the people. Other programs that he wants to implement once he bags a seat in Congress are: genuine agrarian reform, irrigation system, infrastructure and ports development, strengthening of the barangay justice system, improvement of the healthcare facilities, teacher’s welfare, comprehensive employment program, livelihood program for farmers and fishermen, protection of environment, installation of water facilities and assistance to senior citizens.

His platform also include development of sports and creating leadership program for the youth, protection of women and children’s rights, free education program, protection against harassment and persecution of government employees and non-political allies by politicians.

Manatad will fight for an honest crusade against graft and corruption and people empowerment through participatory democracy and the strengthening of people-based organizations and to organize people’s council in every town and barangay to maximize the people’s participation in government affairs

He also will bat for information and communication facilities through Internet and e-Mail facilities so people will have easy access to public records and information.

A native of Buenavista, Bohol and a member of prominent clans in the second district will implement a paradigm change in the way politics will become.

The dashing debutante Emmanuelle Kristie "Karla" Manuel walked down with pride as she welcomed her relatives and friends in a grand birthday bash at the Kennedy's mansion, owned by her Grandma Madam Minda Horcasitas-Kennedy on December 4, 2009 at Binlod, Looc Panglao Bohol.

Karla is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Felix and Emma Joy Manuel-Abugho with siblings Edjian Karlo, Eveith Katherine and Edrian Kenneth.

The members of the Entourage: 18 Treasures- Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan, Mrs. Ma. Luz Dumaluan, Kag. Francisco "Ondo" Montero, Mrs. Nila Montero, Mrs. Flor Maslog of New York represented by John Paul Maslog, Mr. Cid Titus Cempron, Mrs. Mary Ruth D. Gango, Ms. Gloria Doron, Ms. Lydia Doron, Mrs. Elena Uy, Rev. Fr. Lemuel Canizares, Atty. Albert Tinampay, Mrs. Narcisa Javier, Mrs. Louella "Baby" Bantol, Atty. Florendo Columnas, Mrs. Delia de La Serna, Dr. Melinda Borja, and Mrs. Linda Tan.
     
18 Tulips and 18 Candles- Joseph Yap and Eveith Katherine Manuel, Bartolome Che Hermosura and Jamille Torrefranca, Nicolai Andrew Borja and Charisse Borja, Jason Rosales and Ingrid Disa Delima, Cris Cimagala and Kristina Gean Licayan, Blecilez Joy Estrada and Patrice Angeli KC Lumactud, Christian Estaño and Jean Viviane Bunjan, Glenn Bryan Doloritos and Barbara Sheen Barral, King Jim Amen and Vendalou Marie Hibaya, Wernher Reloba and Nina Sheila Reloba, Ian Reche Doble and Kimberly Mae Gango, Edjian Karlo Manuel and Amira Aliah Montero, Edrian Kenneth Manuel and Camille Erika Racho Berou, EJ Borja and Renaluz Anania, Aldoes Lasaca and Katrin Ann Matalinis, Karl Marx Jabines and Jerlynette Prada, Jevis Clifford Vertulfo and Crisane Marjet Morala, Gray Taylor and Trisha Dianne Yap Divinagracia.

The Bearers: Matthew Lague, Rafael Guibone and Ken Arcay. Karla's escort was Lester Manigque. The debutante with her royal court the 18 Tulips and Candles danced the Cotillion de Honor choreographed by Mr. Fred Sale. Kennedy's mansion was decorated by Blue Grass Project partners Archt. Boy Dumadag and Michael Yu. Food Republic and JJ's Dimsum provided the sumptuous meal for the affair. Margrette's cakes by Mayet Ramirez created the debutante's cake and chocolate fountain while J and JC Digital captured the momentous day. Center stage Band with Mr. Joseph Gara did the entertainment with a Fireworks Display that concluded the event. Mr. Glenn Manigque, a very close family friend of the Manuel's hosted the affair.

AFTER FIVE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS SPECIALIST Maria Leticia "Maleth" L. Zafra organized the event. For assistance and inquiries you may contact her at her business office address: Fely's Pension House and Health Fitness Center Bldg., No. 112 CPG North Avenue Tagbilaran City beside Metrobank Cogon Branch. Contact Numbers- 0917-304-0757 or 0918-557-6609 email adds: marialeticia_zafra@yahoo.com or afterfiveweddings@yahoo.com.

Scholar graduates of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Bohol batches 1994 to 2004 will have its 1st Grand Reunion on Dec. 30, 2009.
         
Registration starts 2 p.m. at Bohol Island State University (BISU) - AV Hall and will continue at the MetroCentre Hotel for the dinner-program. Scholar graduates from University of Bohol, Holy Name University and the then BSAT/CVSCAFT Tagbilaran City and Main Campuses are invited. With the theme "Ten years of providing strong and competent S&T Boholano workers in the country" all scholars who were members of DOST Scholars Association in Bohol (DOST SA Bohol) will convene for the very first time since the S&T Scholarship program was fully implemented in the province since 1994. Until now DOST continuously provides scholarships to poor but deserving students to come up with a critical mass of world class S&T workforce in the country.

To confirm attendance and other reunion details please contact the event hotline at 0920-250-1808 or email dostbohol@gmail.com. (PR,DOST)

By Martin Shankleman,
Employment correspondent, BBC News

Hospital cleaners are worth more to society than bankers, a study suggests.

The research, carried out by think tank the New Economics Foundation, says hospital cleaners create £10 of value for every £1 they are paid.

It claims bankers are a drain on the country because of the damage they caused to the global economy.

They reportedly destroy £7 of value for every £1 they earn. Meanwhile, senior advertising executives are said to "create stress".

The study says they are responsible for campaigns which create dissatisfaction and misery, and encourage over-consumption.

And tax accountants damage the country by devising schemes to cut the amount of money available to the government, the research suggests.

By contrast, child minders and waste recyclers are also doing jobs which create net wealth to the country.

The Foundation has used a new form of job evaluation to calculate the total contribution various jobs makes to society, including for the first time the impact on communities and environment.

Eilis Lawlor, spokeswoman for the New Economics Foundation, said: "Pay levels often don't reflect the true value that is being created. As a society, we need a pay structure which rewards those jobs that create most societal benefit rather than those that generate profits at the expense of society and the environment".

PIA Bohol: The Provincial Development Council (PDC) has favorably endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) the 2010 proposed one point one billion peso annual investment plan (AIP) includes some P203M funds for the projected 20% development funds.

Of this, the PDC has put in an estimated P134.8M for economic services, P27.5M for general public services, P21.7M for social services and P18.9M for the next year's priority projects.

Believing in the crucial role of good road networks as economic assets for Bohol, PDC has proposed some P95.7M funds for the provincial roads development program and another P12M for the Provincial motor Pool fund support.
         

The AIP has also identified some P10M more barangay road development and other vital infrastructure projects as priority project for the calendar year and another P500K for Uptown subdivision road improvements.

Capitol Barangay electrification and waterworks programs put in a combined P10 M or at P5 M each to mark the administration's priority policy of spurring economic development in the country sides.

Meanwhile, in support of its agricultural development in line with Bohol's dream of a string agro-industry support to tourism, the AIP also puts in a total of P6.5M support fund for organic agriculture, rice, corn, high value commercial crops and fisheries and resource management programs.

The same Bohol agri development is running with a separate fund for priority projects in jathropha for biodiesel and organic fertilizer production, coco-hybridization, dairy production support, backyard gardening, mushroom development at a total of P7M.

For livestock industry, the PDC through the AIP puts in P5.3 M funds for animal dispersals, livestock disease management program, meat safety control, dairy development program and for the construction of a rabies laboratory, all to be implemented by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.

The AIP also puts in a P12M counter-parting fund source, P1.8M disaster preparedness fund and P5.5M aid to barangays, attests the letter of endorsement from Governor Aumentado to Vice Gov, Herrera. (PIA)

Bohol Chronicle: Provincial board member and Liga ng mga Barangay president Concepcion Lim filed last Monday her COC substituting third district Rep. Adam Relson Jala as running mate of gubernatorial bet Rep. Edgar Chatto under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

An eleventh-hour pick as running mate of Chatto, Jala cited "personal and family reasons" for calling off his candidacy.

Lim whose family controls the leadership in Valencia town earlier surfaced as a sought after vice gubernatorial timber. Reports said NP's gubernatorial bet Vice Gov. Julius Herrera also courted Lim to be his running mate.

Lim finally made her personal choice for Chatto, and not for Herrera.

The provincial Liga president reportedly holds vast following in the third congressional district

She will be running against Prov'l Administrator Tomas Abapo, Jr, (NP); former Deped Supt. Elpidio Jala (LP) and Crescencio Alturas, independent,

YOUNG JALA'S VIEW
ON "DIRTY" POLITICS

Jala said he is dismayed over the brand of politics being practiced by local politicians.

"I am leaving politics and instead practice law, which is my profession. Politics in the province, the way I see it and as I experienced it, is very dirty," the young solon stressed.

Asked whether the "dirty politics" he is referring to is the infighting within the ranks of his own political party Lakas-Kampi CMD, Jala said, "This is not yet the time to talk about it. I assure the people to tell everything when the time comes."         

Jala was just a tapped to fill-in the slot for vice governor which was apparently intended for second district Rep. Roberto Cajes.

Jala filed his letter of withdrawal at the provincial Comelec office 8:30 a.m. Monday while board member Lim followed a few minutes later with her certificate of candidacy for vice governor under the administration party.

It may be recalled that Jala was the last candidate to beat the deadline for the filing of COCs on Tuesday last week after Cajes filed his COC for mayorship in Trinidad while his wife Judith Cajes, the incumbent mayor of said town, bids for the second district congress
seat against Gov. Erico Aumentado who was stripped of the Lakas nomination at the last minute.

According to highly-placed sources within the party, Jala was just a "filler" while negotiations with board member Lim was in the works to be Chatto's running mate, as a tug-of-war ensued after Aumentado was dumped by the Lakas national directorate.

Jala "had nothing to lose" since the young solon decided early in the day to stay away from politics and even declined to run as board member under Lakas-Kampi representing the third district.

Lim was supposed to file her COC also in the last minute of the December 1 deadline but was reportedly persuaded by Aumentado against running with Chatto whom the governor blamed for his debacle.

The Chronicle source said Jala agreed to be a temporary replacement but had no real intentions of running against his uncle, former schools superintendent Elpidio Jala, who is also vying for vice governor in the Liberal Party ticket of actor Cesar Montano.

In an interview with the Chronicle yesterday, Jala admitted it was "a party decision" to field board member Lim, who received her certificate of nomination and acceptance (Cona) from the Lakas-Kampi national executive committee.

The third district solon said, as early as last year, he already told his father, former congressman Eladio Jala that he wants to practice law instead of seeking a second term.

The elder Jala was poised to reclaim his old House seat until the entry of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap into the fold of Lakas-Kampi, who also declared his congress bid.

Although there has been no confirmation regarding reports that the elder Jala was to be appointed by President Arroyo as commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the "juicy offer" is the most likely reason why he gave way to Yap, according to sources.

Bohol Chronicle: The Securities and Exchange Commission has dismissed a petition filed by businessman Mariano L. Uy asking the Commission to compel Bohol Wisdom School, Inc. to call a meeting of its members pursuant to its by-laws.

The Bohol Wisdom School, Inc. was assisted by counsel Atty. Alexander H. Lim of the Trabajo-Lim law Office, Tagbilaran City.

Petitioner alleged that the subject corporation is not holding its meetings as provided in its by-laws for "quite some time". Though not refuting the alleged failure to hold the regular semi-annual meetings, defendant BWS argued that the Petition should be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction since it involves an election controversy.

Said school cited Securities Regulations Code (SRC Sec. 5.2), that stated: "jurisdiction over such cases as enumerated in Section 5 of Presidential Decree No. 902-A, was transferred to the courts of general jurisdiction."

However, the Commission examined the Petition's allegations in resolving the issue of jurisdiction.         

A perusal of the Petition reveals that it does not involve an election controversy.

Although it contains conclusions regarding the legality of the titles of the subject corporation's present trustees or officers, these conclusions do not necessarily mean that it already involves an election contest, SEC said.

Crucially, the Petition only prayed for the Commission to order the calling of regular semi-annual meetings in accordance with the subject corporation's by-laws. The Petition did not implore the Commission to rule upon the legality of title or claim to any elective office in the subject corporation.

Hence, pursuant to Sec. 5.1 (k) giving SEC the power to "compel the officers of any registered corporation or association to call a meeting of stockholders or members thereof," an Order dated April 18, 2007 was issued directing BWS to confirm whether in fact it held meetings and to submit its General Information Sheet and the attendance and minutes of meetings.

The records on file at the SEC, however, particularly the subject corporation's General Information Sheet for the years 2007, 2008 & 2009 revealed that the BWS annual meetings of members were held on March 10, 2007, March 10, 2008 and March 10, 2009. SEC thereby, concluded that the records at hand rendered the petition for calling of meetings moot; and premises considered, the petition is dismissed for being moot and academic.

The 3-page Order dated November 11, 2009 was issued by Vernette G. Umali-Paco, SEC General Counsel.

Bohol Chronicle: The Bohol Police will have a new commander starting Tuesday as SSupt. Anthony Obenza replaces SSupt. Edgardo Ingking who will cap his assignment of almost three years here in the province.

Obenza will be installed as provincial commander on Tuesday in turnover ceremonies at the Bohol Police Provincial Office in Camp Dagohoy .

Obenza, recently promoted to senior superintendent, is a Boholano and a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA). He holds a master's degree in public administration.

The new police chief was the choice of Gov. Aumentado from three names presented to him as replacement of Ingking after the latter has been "overstaying" in his post.

Ingking, who served as provincial police director since January 2007, will be promoted to a higher position in the Police Regional Office (PRO-7).

The coming May 2010 elections pushed the PNP into a massive reshuffling of commanders to ensure their impartiality towards candidates.
         
The governor has been putting on hold Ingking's reassignment as he wanted to pick a Boholano provincial commander. But the recent promotion of Obenza to senior superintendent made him eligible to take over the provincial command.

Prior to being named as new Bohol police chief, Obenza was head of the PRO-7 personnel division.

Tuesday's command turnover will be presided by PRO-7 Regional Director Chief Superintendent Lani-o Nerez and Gov. Aumentado.

During Ingking's stint as provincial director, the provincial command gained so many awards both in the regional and national categories.

He will be remembered for instituting the SWAT force in the province and at the same time enhancing the Tourist Police. He gained the support of the local businessmen's group from whom the local PNP command received donations, including the SWAT service vehicle.

Lately, the Bohol police under Ingking was recognized for topping other police offices in the implementation of the National Firearms Control Program (NFC).

The BPPO accounted for a total of 1,096 firearms in its drive since August to September.

BPPO's total haul is 23 percent of the estimated 4,232 loose firearms from threat groups and criminal elements or those basically un-renewed in the last years.

by Bohol Chronicle

City Chief of Police Supt. Julius Cesar Gornez raised apprehensions that armed members of the City Task Force might be in conflict with the police.

During a special session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod last Wednesday, Gornez told lawmakers
that the task force operations would have serious implications to law enforcement since its members are not officially deputized as a police auxiliary unit.

Gornez formally asked for a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the city government, through the SP and the city mayor, to have direct supervision and control over the city task force.

Meanwhile, two opposition city councilors likewise urged the city police chief to immediately place under its jurisdiction and exercise control over the task force in the light of the government's crackdown on armed groups and privates armies.

Councilors Zenaido Rama and Bebiano Inting on Friday said it is the duty of the police force to neutralize or dismantle armed groups.

The City Task Force, formed under the office of the city mayor to help in the anti-crime drive, has no legal personality, councilor Rama said.

In 15 city barangays, task force members could not be less than 50, performing functions similar to barangay tanods while some of them are armed.
         

Early this year, the city mayor provided a vehicle to each task force unit assigned in the barangays.

According to Rama, most of the task force members recruited by the office of the city mayor, are "dubious characters."

"The danger here is, they are allowed to carry their own firearms and there have been incidents in the past that task force members figured in shootings," Rama noted.

Councilor Inting describes a group such as the city task force which could fall under the definition of Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs), a euphemism for "private armies", in Executive Order 546.

Inting said, "Basically, the city task force should be police auxiliaries such as barangay tanods and traffic enforcers. But the problem is that they do not have deputization orders from the police which is necessary since they carry firearms."

Since the activities of the city task force is within the sphere of police operations, Rama and Inting said there should be an official deputization and a memorandum of agreement between the City PNP and the city government.

Rama said that if the city task force members are not officially deputized, then it should be dismantled by the PNP since they are performing their activities and carrying firearms illegally.

"Police officials could be in trouble if they do not address this situation as we have seen police chiefs being relieved because they have tolerated armed groups in their areas," Rama added.

The lawmaker also expressed apprehensions that the task force will be used against political opponents of the mayor, especially with the coming elections.

In a directive issued thru the Directorate for Operations of the PNP, Director General Jesus Verzosa instructed the PNP units to help dismantle and neutralize all known private armed groups in their areas of operations to ensure that the gruesome massacre of 57 people last month in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, would not be repeated.   

By Bohol Chronicle

Businessmen in the province are criticizing the disruption and delays in the release of their cargos caused by a group claiming to be agents of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG).

The Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) on Friday expressed "grave concern" over the delays in transporting basic goods and commodities after a team of the PASG assigned in the province started to intercept last Wednesday the passage of cargo vans and trucks at the Tagbilaran City Port.

DTI Secretary Peter Favila, who arrived here Friday vowed to take action on the matter based on the resolution of the BCCI.

A resolution adopted by the business group decried the manner by which the anti-smuggling operatives, headed by Jose Rommel Manhilot conducted inspections of trucks and delivery vehicles carrying goods and commodities which resulted into hours of delay.

The businessmen's group came after the group continued to check all cargoes coming out from the pier until yesterday. In fact, some of the men could not present identification cards.

Manhilot who is the younger brother of gubernatorial bet, movie actor/director Cesar Montano said that one of his men checking cargoes at the port is another brother he identified as Noel.

The chamber said that the "unannounced interception" conducted by Manhilot and his designated men, "resulted to the interruption of the normal flow of the delivery of basic commodities to the consuming public".
        

The PASG team led by Manhilot, popularly known as Rommel Montano flagged down trucks at the city wharf purportedly to check for smuggled goods.

The BCCI protested the "inspections" saying it is an inconvenience to both the business community and the consumer sector.

PPA Port Manager
Manny Boholano told the Chronicle the team paid courtesy call at is office while expressing surprise why such inspection be conducted when there was no intelligence report taken as the basis that smuggled goods are entering through the city port.

The port manager warned the team that if an unexplained delay will affect the release of cargoes, the consigness might even charge the storage fees to their team once their cargoes get stuck at the city port due to their operations.

"This is the first time that the city and the province have experienced this setback which creates anxiety, confusion and negative impression on concerned businessmen," the chamber resolution stated.

In an emergency meeting called by the BCCI last Thursday at the Metrocentre Hotel, PPA Manager Boholano informed the businessmen that it is only when there is an intelligence report of smuggling could there be an interception of cargo transport operations.

During the four-day conduct of inspections, the flow of cargo trucks at the port slowed down as PASG operatives sorted through each vehicle and asked for official receipts of goods.

According to the BCCI, it has always been the practice "since time immemorial" that delivery drivers and truckers can only present the "bill of lading" because the official receipts are in the company offices, usually based in Manila and Cebu.

Some drivers, reporting the delay to their employers, hinted suspicions on the conduct of the inspections.

Businessmen who refused to be identified told the Chronicle that Manhilot and the other men claiming to be agents of PASG should present proper identification and deputization papers as some members of the business sector are concerned they might end up victims of extortion from men claiming to be anti-smuggling agents.

They said the PASG central office should provide the BCCI or the provincial government of a list of their deputized operatives to eliminate doubts regarding their identities.

ROMMEL'S STATEMENT

Interviewed over top-rated radio program "Inyong Alagad" of Station dyRD, Manhilot (Montano) explained that their operation was part of their "information and intelligence gathering" to check if there are smuggling activities in the province.

He calimed being designated as director of the anti-smuggling group last July by a certain Undersecretary Bebot Villar.

He pointed out that the conduct of inspection at the city port is within the mandates of the PASG under President Macapagal-Arroyo's Executive Order 624.

Informed of the concerns of businessmen on the delays in the movement of goods caused by their operations, Manhilot apologized for the inconvenience.

He told the Chronicle last Thursday that his men were already pulled out from the port.

However, contrary to his statement, there were still men of Manhilot until yesterday morning inspecting outgoing vehicles at the pier while some of his claimed agents could not even present their proper identification cards.

"We are authorized by law to conduct inspections of cargos and raids as part of the nationwide campaign to curb smuggling," Manhilot stressed saying there was "nothing irregular" in their operations here.

There are at least ten men assigned as anti-smuggling team here in the province, Manhilot claimed.

I think he was just reinstituted by Lakas last Friday. Panglao Airport could be abandoned once Gloria is out of Malacanang.

No Gold to Buy Votes
By Loy Palapos

   The political arena could be a dog-eat-dog hades where, in order to survive, one must be equipped with a complete arsenal for warfare, and must not be fettered by ethical standards that make real heroes out of ordinary man. And should advance tongue-in-check while negating age-old value systems honored through the generations. If he has guts… meaning, he can shock others with atrocities that don’t shock him anymore… meaning, he can out-distance his adversaries in adorable actions that negate decency… he may survive. If he has gold… the commodity that brings in loyalty, influences, and power (not mentioning outright vote-buying)… he will succeed.

   Atty. Tomas Dahab Abapo, Jr. (TDA) has guts… the kind the motivates achievers. He is also smart… or he won’t be a Lawyer, a Board Member, a Dean, and a Provincial Administrator. It is gold he doesn’t have, a common denominator among successful politicians. Thus, when he was tapped to team-up with Atty. Julius Caesar Herrera in the forthcoming elections, not a few asked whether he can succeed in a race where the bank book reigns supreme.

   This interview took place last weekend, where I chanced upon Dean Abapo at the Provincial Capitol Tennis Court, where he was unwinding and fighting off office stress. Ever the accommodating friend, dating back to his student days at good old Divine Word College (Holy Name University) where he was a top-reaching stalwart in the College of Law, he answered my queries amidst the heat, the dust, and the noise. Interrupted several times, while the tennis games were on, we survived the foreboding atmosphere, and ended up becoming closer friends.

         LMP:  You are a lawyer, an educator, an administrator, a politician, a father and a husband? Which of the six roles takes much of your time? In what instances?

         TDA:  My family is my priority. Outside the family, administratorship takes much of my time for it is not an ordinary 8-hour job.

         LMP:  Which requires more effort? How?

         TDA:  Being an administrator demands much effort. As Provincial Administrator, I manage the affairs of the province in representation of the Provincial Governor.

         LMP:  Which do you enjoy most? Why?

         TDA:  I enjoy being a family man the most. Next to that, I derive the same satisfaction and enjoyment from my other roles.

   LMP:  What role don’t you like? Why?

   TDA:  I like all of them.

   LMP:  What role is the most fulfilling? How?

         TDA:  The most fulfilling is my role in the family â€" as a husband and as a father. All my other roles are of course equally fulfilling.

         LMP:  How long have you served the Province of Bohol as a Board Member? Was it a fulfilling job?

         TDA:  I have served our Province for 10 ½ years. 1 ½ years as OIC Board Member and 9 years as Elected Board Member.

         LMP:  What were the legislations at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan which you are proud to have authored? Why?

         TDA:  I can’t exactly remember the titles and details of the legislations I authored. Basically, my priority legislations were on food security, education and health. Education, because it is the key to success in life. Food security, because we have a lot of infrastructures and development projects, but these are of little value to an ordinary Boholano who wakes up with no food on the table and learns on an empty stomach. And legislations that impact on health are important for obvious reasons.

         LMP:  As an Administrator, what problems have you encountered, and how did you solve them?

         TDA:  Managerial and implementation problems. These problems require concerted solutions that can be solved by getting the cooperation and coordination of the department heads and provincial employees concerned under the guidance of the Provincial Government. Basically, my guide is doing what is good for the province and avoiding what is detrimental or inimical to the interests of the Province.

         LMP:  Is being a Dean and educator a financially rewarding vocation? How long have you been teaching? What would you consider the best compensation an educator has?

         TDA:  No, it is not financially rewarding. But, the satisfaction of educating students, preparing them for the Bar and ultimately producing lawyers, is a fulfillment which cannot be financially quantified. Since 1978 until the present â€" continuous and uninterrupted. The best compensation for being a teacher is the sense of fulfillment I feel in producing graduates and new lawyers.

         LMP:  What effect has politics to an educator and vice versa? In your case has it been all on the positive side?

         TDA:  Effects of Politics to educator: I get to impart to my students my experience in dealing with governments, the community and its constituents. Educator to politics: I have the chance to apply the theoretical, scholarly tenets and ideals in my life as politician. Of course, both work positively to my advantage. Otherwise, I would have given up one for the other.

         LMP:  So, you have decided to join the next political derby as a Vice Governor of the Province of Bohol. What are the qualifications and preparations that make you fit for the position?

         TDA:  A Vice-Governor performs two-fold functions: 1) Legislator, as Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; and 2) Executive Officer, as Governor’s assistant. As Legislator, I have been a Board Member for 10 ½ years. As Executive Officer, I have been the Provincial Administrator who does everything that the Governor can do, under his authority, for almost 6 years. Experience-wise, I believe I am qualified for this position.

         LMP:  What is your political party affiliation with your running mate? What advantages has your team compared to others?

         TDA:  Nacionalista Party. Advantages: 1) In the Philippines, one enters politics basically for either of these two reasons: a) business; or b) service. The Herrera-Abapo tandem is for service. 2) For us, there is no trickery. We believe that black is black and white is white. We will be doing our job, our mandate, as we are called for without ill intentions.

         LMP:  There are those who say that, compared to other Vice Gubernatorial aspirants, you are the one with less financial backing? Do you believe this angle is very important? How will you face this problem?

         TDA:  That is true. I believe, however, that Boholanos are now educated voters and will vote in accordance with their conscience. We don’t need to buy votes. I am confident the Boholanos will vote for the right candidate.

         LMP:  Your record as Board Member and Provincial Administrator are proofs of your capabilities in public service. How would you translate this into votes in the May election? 

         TDA:  By informing people what I have done as Legislator and as Executive Officer. I believe that actions speak louder than words.

         LMP:  What advantages has the Herrera-Abapo tandem on the others in the forthcoming electoral derby?

         TDA:  We act more and say less. We do what is required of us without trickery and ill motives. As what we have said, for us, black is black, white is white.

         LMP:  Who are your team-mates in the Congressional level? How about in the Provincial Board?   

         TDA:  Congressional Board: 1st District: Atty. Oscar Glovasa â€" adopted NP candidate, 2nd District: Governor Erico B. Aumentado â€" guest candidate, 3rd District: Agriculture Secreatry Arthur Yap â€" guest candidate; Provincial Board: 1st District: Atty. Raul Barbarona, Atty. Danilo Bantugan, Kagawad Doris Obena, 2nd District: Board Member Josephine Socorro Jumamoy â€" guest candidate, Businessman Gerry Garcia; 3rd District: Atty. Dionisio Balite, Board Member Bienvenido Molina, Former Mayor Felix V. Casingcasing, PCL President Brigido Z. Imboy â€" guest candidate 

   LMP:  What criteria do you use in the choice of candidates in the Municipal level?

         TDA:  We welcome those who adhere or desire to adhere to the core tenets and ideals of the Nacionalista Party.

         LMP:  Has Governor Erico Aumetado his support in this latest race you are in? What could be the reasons why he has supported you and your running-mate?

         TDA:  We have informed Governor Aumentado of our intentions and he respected our decision. He knows that we are capable for the positions we are aspiring for.

         LMP:  What percentage of the incumbent Mayors in Bohol are with you and Vice Governor Herrera? Do you believe Mayors make Governors and Vice Governors? How?

         TDA:  As far as incumbent mayors are concerned, we have less percentage as of the time for filling of certificates of candidacy. But you will be surprised at the support of the incumbent mayors we will be generating when campaign period commences. Sometimes and under favorable circumstances. Ultimately, however, it is the people who vote for their leaders.

         LMP:  Which of the three Districts and 47 Municipalities and City do you consider your turf in vote-generation? Why?

         TDA:  I consider the whole Bohol my turf because in my almost 17 years in public service, I have served the whole province.

         LMP:  When you left the Provincial Capitol and your job as Provincial Administrator, it was clear from all angles that you won to your side all sectors and departments. Would this be your big favor in the balance scale? How?

         TDA:  Definitley. I have established good personal relations with department heads and employees. I am very confident that they will vote for me in the elections.

         LMP:  What will be your program(s) of government to present to the voters in the campaign trial?       

         TDA:  My priority programs will be on food security, education and health care. Most importantly, my platform of governance will be anchored on real public service. I am in politics for service, not for business.

         One big advantage of Atty. Abapo in public service is his affinity and closeness with the less-privileged sectors of society. He does not deny he is a “promdi”, a provinciano by heart and soul; but one who strives hard to attain a higher level of existence. He comes from the masses he serves; thus, service is never an ordeal but a privilege. He feels honored serving all Boholanos.

         Although he admits he does not have the “gold” that buys votes, he believes the Boholanos have now the wisdom of choice. They will vote for those who can serve them well. 

By Sunday Post

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor in Guindulman town was found lifeless in an apparent suicide.           

The victim was identified as Brian Golosinda, 18, an SK councilman of Barangay Casbu, Guindulman town.           

Golosinda’s lifeless body was discovered hanging with a rope on his neck about 6 pm last Dec. 8.           

The victim’s body was found by his own father inside their home at dusk Monday.           

Investigators learned that before the incident, the victim figured in a motorcycle accident.           

As a result of the mishap, the victim sustained injuries in various parts of his body.           

It was gathered that the victim’s father had warned him not to go driving with his friends.           

The victim, however, disregarded his father’s warning and went ahead that resulted in the road mishap.           

Investigators believe that the suicide was a result of the victim’s fear of the consequences of his disobedience.               

A post-mortem examination conducted on the body of the victim revealed that there was no foul play.           

The examination conducted by Dr. Elith Salada, municipal health officer, showed that the victim’s death resulted from the suicide. 

Please empty your TubagBohol Inbox before the year ends. In 2010, all PMs will be wiped out. Back to zero ta. So, if you have important stuff in your TB inbox, palihug nalang ug transfer/keep ani sa inyong email accounts.

For those who want to own an email with your name and tubagbohol.com (example: yourname@tubagbohol.com), just write to ginger@tubagbohol.com.

Thank you. Advance Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

By Sunday Post

Two unknown gunmen armed with a 9 mm pistol and another a 45 cal. firearm waylaid Board Member Josil Trabajo while on board a government-issued Isuzu Crosswind Wednesday evening but fortunately for the lawmaker, his live-in partner and their child as the three car occupants, escaped unhurt.

The kind of firearms used in the ambush was determined by the spent shells found in the crime scene.

Trabajo and his common law wife identified as Daisy Comahig, of legal age, and now residing along Banat-i Road in Dampas district, this city, just came in from the Bohol Tropics where they presumably had dinner.

When the Trabajo family was near their rented apartment in Dampas, two men came from behind and peppered their vehicle with bullets.

At least three bullets holes were found in the door panel and rear window of the car but failed to hit its mark which apparently was the board member.

When Trabajo sensed that he was being targeted for assassination, he immediately ordered his driver to speed off. This was the time when the gunmen shot at the fast moving vehicle missing its target.

At least two angles were being looked into by police investigators. Police are looking into the possibility that it was a case of mistaken identity or possibly the handiwork of hired guns on orders of a principal who must have something to do with the public official’s romantic relations.

Trabajo has long been separated with his wife who is now in the United States.

When interviewed right after the incident, Trabajo claimed that his companion was his wife only to correct himself that the other occupant in the car was his live-in-partner.

In a report from Police Supt. Julius Cesar Gornez to Provincial Director Eduardo Ingking of the Bohol Philippine National Police, the city police chief   reported that in a subsequent investigation, he was informed that the board member’s legal wife in the US threatened him with harm. The death threat was confirmed no less by Trabajo.

In zeroing in on the possible motives of attempted murder, Supt. Gornez likewise dismissed speculations that it was politically motivated.

According to Trabajo, he cannot remember that there was an existing threat on his life during his entire political career.

However, only lately, the board member from Carmen was in the news after he and eight others including former mayor Pedro Budiongan,Jr. were acquitted of an anti-graft case that spanned all of eight years before the Sandiganbayan  found them innocent of graft charges. Trabajo was haled to court in his capacity as former vice mayor of Carmen. As a result of the criminal case, the former Carmen vice mayor was suspended for 90 days.

He just finished serving his suspension when the acquittal came.

Trabajo is running for reelection as board member of the third district under the Lakas- Kampi CMD banner.    

Filipinos just can’t get enough of Manny Pacquiao, it seems.

According to Internet search giant Yahoo!, “Manny Pacquiao” was the most searched term in the Philippines for 2009, edging out the late democracy icon Corazon Aquino who came in a close second.

The data also revealed that many Filipinos remain fixated on controversial issues and celebrities with search terms “Maricar Reyes” and “Katrina Halili” figuring prominently in the Top 10 list for the year.

The results were part of Yahoo!’s 2009 Year in Review report released Wednesday.

According to the company the results emerged from an estimated 150 million online searches this year for the Philippines alone.

Internet pioneer Yahoo! released graphic data showing “Manny Pacquiao” garnering roughly 25 percent of all searches in the Philippines. This was slightly higher than the number of online queries for “Cory Aquino” which hit almost one-fourth of the total.

This was followed by queries for Francis Magalona, Ondoy, Dionisia Pacquiao, Shalani Soledad, Eraserheads, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Mar and Korina and the Philippine Basketball Association.

“What is unique to the Philippines is that the boundaries between entertainment, politics and sports intertwine simultaneously, reflective of Philippine culture,” Yahoo! said in an e-mailed reply to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

In Yahoo!’s celebrity search rankings, homegrown talent came first, the company said. -Daxim Lucas, PDI

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net

At least 100 people, consisting of school children and teachers, are reportedly being held hostage by a criminal group in Agusan del Sur province Thursday, police said.

Some 25 armed men reportedly belonging to the criminal group Ondo Perez took hostage these people at around 8 a.m. in Sitio (sub-village) Maitum, Barangay (village) San Martin in Prosperidad town, according to initial reports from Chief Superintendent Lino Calingasan, Caraga regional police director.

Police immediately launched rescue operations for the safety of the victims.

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane.

At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.

"You have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.

"Then you should know enough to have your passport ready."

The American said, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."

"Impossible. Americans always have to show their passports on arrival in France !"

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look.  Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to."

8,750 fee seems too expensive. It would be appropriate if the seminar organizer could justify the high cost of this seminar.

No deal with Yap? Kinsay motuo? Tell it to your puppies.

Stereotypes in general are wrong.

Answers

1. If you choose:
Red - You are alert and your life is full of love.
Black - You are conservative and aggressive.
green - Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back. 
blue - You are spontaneous and love kisses and affection from the ones you love.
yellow - You are a very happy person and give good advice to those who are down.

2 . If your initial is:
A-K You have a lot of love and friendships in your life.
L-R You try to enjoy your life to the maximum & your love life is soon to blossom.
S-Z You like to help others and your future love life looks very good..

3. If you were born in:
Jan-Mar: The year will go very well for you and you will discover that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected.
April-June: You will have a strong love relationship that will not last long but the memories will last forever.
July-Sep: You will have a great year and will experience a major life-changing experience for the good.
Oct-Dec: Your love life will not be great, but eventually you will find your soul mate..

4. If you chose:
Black: Your life will take on a different direction, it will seem hard at the time but will be the best thing for you, and you will be glad for the change.
White: You will have a friend who completely confides in you and would do anything for you, but you may not realize it.

5. This person is your best friend.

6 This is how many close friends you have in your lifetime.

7. If you chose:
Flying: You like adventure.
Driving: You are a laid back person.

8.. If you chose:
Lake : You are loyal to your friends and your lover and are very reserved.
Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people.

Don't cheat, If you are honest, this tells the truth. It's pretty good. Write your answers on a piece of paper, and NO cheating!! The answers are at the bottom. 

1. Which is your favorite color out of: red , black , blue , green , or yellow?   
2. Your first initial?     

3. Your month of birth?     
4. Which color do you like more, black or white?     

5. Name of a person of the same gender as yours.         

6. Your favorite number?   
7.. Do you like Flying or Driving more?       
8. Do you like a lake or the ocean?         

It’s normal for parents to be anxious when they’re expecting their first child, especially since the birth means their life until then has to change altogether. Preparations must be made in all areas, from buying diapers and child-proofing the house to learning how to cope with certain situations but, no matter the amount of time invested into that, young dads will always feel more prepared than mothers for the big event, a new study conducted by insurance company Aviva reveals.

This can be explained by the split of attributions throughout the months leading up to the actual birth, Aviva says. At the end of the period, two thirds of men (an estimated 67 percent) say they feel ready for the baby, while mothers only do so in a smaller percentage of 52 percent. Similarly, women are most likely to have moments in the first six months when they have panic attacks and declare they’re overwhelmed by the situation.

“First-time dads take responsibility for securing the family’s financial wellbeing, with one in five (20%) sorting out the family finances during pregnancy, and just over one in three (35%) most concerned about balancing work and home life and financial matters (27%) over the first six months. In contrast, first-time mums take responsibility for birthing preparations, with just under a quarter (24%) solely responsible for organizing antenatal classes, overnight bags and hospital routes. And even though, before birth, 15% of mums prepare for the emotional impact of having a child, one in three (35%) still feel they have not prepared enough. This is compared to just 15% of men,” Aviva says of the recently conducted study. - Softpedia.com

In a new series of experiments, scientists asked a number of volunteers to look at photos of androgynous faces, and determine which was male and which was female. The participants were very likely to say that people with lower eyebrows and tight lips â€" signs of anger â€" were men, while the characters with higher eyebrows and smiles â€" which are considered signs of happiness and/or fear â€" were women. The study, which appears in the latest issue of the Journal of Vision, shows that perhaps our perception of the other gender is based more on facial recognition than we would like to accept.

In a second study, the participants were asked to look at photos of males and females having expressions ranging from happiness and anger to sadness and fear. Angry males were the easiest to identify, the team behind the investigation reveals, whereas telling angry women apart proved more difficult. “The present research shows that the association between anger and men and happiness and women is so strong that it can influence the decisions about the gender of another person when that person is viewed briefly,” University of Quebec in Montreal (UQ) Department of Psychology expert Ursula Hess, PhD, says.

“The face is a complex social signaling system in which signals for emotion, behavioral intentions and gender all overlap,” the authors write in the journal entry. Hess says that there are a number of things that people generally notice in a face. For example, a high forehead, a square jaw, and thicker eyebrows usually lead to a face being identified as belonging to a male. All these traits have also been linked to a perception of dominance, the group reveals. Conversely, rounded, baby faces with large eyes, which are characteristic of women, have all been proven to be tied to the perception of the individual being approachable and warm, the group says. - ScienceDaily

If your levels of vitamin D are too low, you may be at significantly increased risk for stroke, heart disease and death, a new study suggests.

Researchers followed 27,686 people, aged 50 and older, with no history of cardiovascular disease. The participants were divided into three groups based on their vitamin D levels: normal (more than 30 nanograms per milliliter), low (15 to 30 nanograms per milliliter), or very low (less than 15 nanograms per milliliter).

After one year of follow-up, those with very low levels of vitamin D were 77 percent more likely to die, 45 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 78 percent more likely to have a stroke, and twice as likely to develop heart failure compared to people with normal vitamin D levels, the researchers found.

"We concluded that among patients 50 years of age or older, even a moderate deficiency of vitamin D levels was associated with developing coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke and death," study co-author Heidi May, an epidemiologist with the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, said in a news release from the center.

"This is important because vitamin D deficiency is easily treated. If increasing levels of vitamin D can decrease some risk associated with these cardiovascular diseases, it could have a significant public health impact. When you consider that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America, you understand how this research can help improve the length and quality of people's lives," May added.

Because this was an observational study, a definitive link between vitamin D levels and heart disease couldn't be established, but the findings point to the need for further research, said study co-author Dr. Brent Muhlestein, director of cardiovascular research at Intermountain's Heart Institute. - Healthday News

By Marrah Erika Lesaba
Inquirer Southern Luzon

An 18-year-old college student died in a drowning incident at a resort in Nasugbu, Batangas Sunday afternoon, police said Monday.

Investigation showed that at around 3 p.m., Richelle Hugo, 18, was swimming with her aunt Analyn Abano, along with other relatives, at the Shalyn Beach Resort in Wawa village, Nasugbu town when they were found drowning.

Superintendent Antonio Malabanan, Nasugbu town police chief, said an uncle was able to rescue Analyn but Richelle was located several meters from the shoreline.

Richelle was rushed to the Doctors General Hospital in Nasugbu but was declared dead on arrival.

Heavily armed military and police operatives, together with agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), have raided three of the several multi-million peso mansions of Ampatuans in the city.

Armed with search warrants issued by a Manila-based court, the authorities simultaneously raided the Ampatuan mansions in Juna Subdivision, Marfori Heights Subdivision and in Nova Tierra Subdivision in Lanang, Davao City around 11 Sunday morning.

The raiding team was led by lawyer Victor Bessa, NBI deputy director for regional operations.

Bessa said that the search was conducted after the court granted its request for search warrants based on information that the Ampatuans were also harboring firearms in their mansions in Davao City.

But after hours of thorough search at the mansions, no firearms had been recovered by the authorities except for a pellet gun found at Ampatuan’s mansion in Marfori Heights Subdivision.

Bessa also said they knew that the Ampatuans owned several properties in Davao City but they only conducted the search of those properties specified on the search warrants wherein, based on information, firearms were hidden.

“We cannot raid the properties not specified on the search warrants. It’s illegal to do that and we could be facing charges of trespassing, robbery or theft, etc.” Bessa said.

The Ampatuans reportedly owned another mansion in Ecoland Subdivision in Matina and another property in Toril, all in this city.

Bessa said they would be returning the search warrants to the issuing courts with a report that the searches yielded negative results.

As this developed, police and military authorities also swooped down the mansion owned by Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. after receiving orders from Lt. General Raymundo Ferrer, who took charge of the operation after the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao.

Col. Leo Ferrer 601st Brigade commanding officer, said they received information that the other firearms were hidden in three other areas inside the Ampatuan mansion in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.

Earlier in the Saturday morning raid, several high-powered firearms and thousand rounds of ammunitions were unearthed from a ranch in Barangay Limpungo, Maguindanao, which was reportedly owned by Andal Ampatuan Sr.

The firearms composed of M-16 Armalite rifles, 60 caliber machineguns, 50 caliber submachine guns, three sacks of ammunitions and eight boxes of ammunitions were found in a shallow hole about three feet deep.

As of presstime, authorities have continued searching for firearms in Maguindanao. (PNA) - Jessie L. Casalda

By JUNE S. BLANCO

  “I was victimized by a treacherous cabal!”

  Thus Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado reacted to the revocation of his certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) by higher ups of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party due to his alleged dalliance with the opposing Nacionalista Party bannered by Senator Manuel Villar.

  Aumentado had filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) with a CONA dated November 18 bearing serial number 22565 signed by then party president Eduardo Ermita and then secretary general Gabriel Claudio.

  He submitted the documents to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at the New Capitol Annex together with partymates â€" Reps. Edgar Chatto and Roberto Cajes of the 1st and 2nd Districts, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, former Gov. Rene Relampagos and their candidates for board members â€" following the “unity mass” they attended at the Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Tagbilaran City.

  After submitting their respective documents, the party members held each other’s hands and raised their arms in the traditional symbol of unity and endorsement in the political world â€" before proceeding to the Bohol Tropics Resort for the “unity dinner” to celebrate the filing that would mark a new chapter full of changes in the local Lakas-Kampi-CMD history.

  Aumentado would complete three terms as governor and return to Congress as representative of the 2nd District. Chatto will replace him while Relampagos tries to make a political comeback as congressman of the 1st District and Yap for the 3rd District.

  As the party had given the gubernatorial and mayoral candidates the discretion to choose their running mates, the local chapter had thought all the while that Chatto’s anointed one would be Cajes.

  The filing was not without headaches and sleepless nights for regional and then provincial party chair Aumentado who had to choose between the Chatto-Cajes tandem and the team-up of Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera and then Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. The latter two were also partymates and had worked together with him to pluck Bohol out of the infamous Club 20 â€" the country’s 20 poorest provinces â€" to its current position of 55 out of 80 provinces according to the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB).

  In his weekly forum The Governor Reports simulcast live over Tagbilaran City’s two AM radio stations, relayed by another in Ubay town, delayed broadcast in another based in Carmen town and heard worldwide via live streaming in the Internet, Aumentado said he had offered three juicy national positions to both gubernatorial bets but both declined.

  The situation however solved itself when Herrera and Abapo opted out and joined Villar’s party.

  Aumentado’s other headache was cured when former Rep. Eladio Jala accepted a national position, giving way to Yap in the 3rd District.

  At dinner, Aumentado supporters noticed something amiss but could not put a finger on it â€" until informed much later that Cajes had not filed his COC for vice governor but for mayor of Trinidad town instead.

  As such, incumbent 3rd District Rep. Adam Relson Jala was a last minute substitution for Cajes who also fielded his wife Judith, incumbent mayor of Trinidad, as congresswoman for the 2nd District to run against Aumentado.

  She supported her COC with a CONA bearing serial number 22522 dated November 30 â€" interestingly ahead of Aumentado’s â€" and a letter for the Bohol provincial election supervisor from the national Lakas-Kampi-CMD dated December 1.

  Signed by Secretary General Francis Xavier Manglapus and Deputy Secretary General Raymundo Roquero, the letter affirmed the lady mayor’s CONA and revoked Aumentado’s.

  In a radio interview the following day, Chatto said the revocation was brought about by the governor’s “committing acts inimical to the party.”

  But Aumentado could not get heads or tails of the accusation. The revocation is deemed a “punishment,” hence he said he was “convicted” â€" without due process.

  Apprised of the situation, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, then party chair until she turned it over to presidential timber Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, ordered Yap to investigate.

  Majority of Bohol’s re-electionist mayors and mayoralty candidates under the party, board members and even former Gov. David Tirol turned up at the meeting at Aumentado’s residence that same morning. One by one they vouched for Aumentado’s loyalty to the party and condemned the injustice done to the governor, prompting Yap to ask several times for sheets of paper to record their sentiments on, as well as issues and concerns they wanted to raise to the president and to the party’s national directorate.

  Yap had asked for 48 hours to bring the matter up to President Arroyo and the Lakas hierarchy. He also vowed to give feedback the soonest possible time.

  He skipped lunch in Bohol to enplane back to Manila â€" and the meeting that “the other camp” called.

  A mayor was heard “to bristle” on receiving a call to attend “a meeting with Secretary Yap.”

  “We are having a meeting with Secretary Yap right now, and he will not be able to attend your meeting because he is already hurrying up to catch his plane,” he told caller. 

【蘋果動新聞ã€'伍茲深夜æ'žè»Š 老婆破窗æ•'夫 ç–'點重重
Tiger Woods Scandal: The Reenactment

By NICK GIONGCO
Manila Bulletin

Manny Pacquiao could earn as much as $40 million (roughly P2 billion) when he fights Floyd Mayweather on March 13, 2010, possibly in Las Vegas.

“I learned that Pacquiao’s guaranteed purse (for the Mayweather fight) is about $25 million and because the pay-per-view sales would be a success, Manny’s earning can go to as high as $40 million,” disclosed Pacquiao adviser Wakee Salud Saturday after the Filipino fighter himself revealed that the Mayweather fight is on.

Salud could not tell exactly how the profits are going to be divided but “a 50-50 sharing should be fair to both fighters.”

Against Miguel Cotto last month, Pacquiao was guaranteed a paycheck of $13 million but owing to the success of the pay-per-view sales that generated 1.25 million buys at $54.95 per subscription, the 30-year-old Pacquiao wound up getting $22 million.

Mike Koncz, the Canadian adviser of Pacquiao, who was the only one present when Pacquiao met with promoter Bob Arum on Friday morning, said the figures ended up "where we want it to be” and that everything is green and go for the 12-round fight that will see Pacquiao staking his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.

“(The only way this is not pushing through is) if Mayweather chickens out of the fight,” Koncz said.

Arum was surprised over Pacquiao’s declaration that the fight is indeed happening next year but a formal joint announcement with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) will be issued this coming week.

Arum said only “acts of God” or that “somebody acting like crazy” will prevent the fight from taking place.

GBP Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer, who is Oscar De La Hoya’s right-hand man, has been given authority by Mayweather to negotiate on his behalf.  Mayweather has dealt with GBP on two occasions, both of them pay-per-view and box-office hits.

Because of time constraints, a plan to hold a promotional tour has been shelved but a major press conference will be held either January 11 or 12 in New York and that instead of the usual four-part 24/7 documentary show produced by HBO aimed at promoting the bout, Arum said there will be one additional episode that will be filmed.

By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Manila city and police officials warned the public on Saturday about the proliferation of fake peso bills following the arrest of three suspects allegedly caught manufacturing counterfeit P500 and P1,000 bills.

The suspects were identified as Richard Dan, alias Richard Tang, 38, of 310 La Residencia Building, Tayuman corner Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz; Ricky Chan alias Iking, 45, of No. 1077 Aguilar St., Binondo; and Roel Yacob alias Richard, 41, of 2149 Severino Reyes St., Sta. Cruz.

Their arrest was reported to Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay by district intelligence division chief Supt. Ruben Fojas Jr.

According to Fojas, Dan was the manufacturer and owner of the printing machines used for making the bogus bills, while Chan and Yacob were Dan’s employees who also acted as sales agents.

Prior to the suspects' arrest, authorities claimed they received information regarding the illegal activities of the three suspects and the proliferation of fake P500 and P1,000 bills in Manila.

Following a three-week surveillance, a buy-bust operation was subsequently conducted. A poseur buyer was able to purchase from Chan three pieces of fake P500 bills for P150 each.

When the poseur buyer negotiated for the purchase of 20 more bills, Chan accompanied him to Dan.

As soon as the marked money was handed over to the suspects, police swooped down on Dan's residence where the fake bills were being manufactured.

The mayor is the world's most admired environmentalist. She had massacred Guindulman's centuries-old acacia trees.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Highlight Reel Video
Who is Floyd Mayweather Jr.

By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) said it will be ready to launch, in six to 12 months, its landmark “broadband over power lines (BPL)” service, seen as a new technology that will fast-forward the growth of Internet use in the country.

The BPL technology is a by-product of the PLDT group’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributors.

The new technology, as its name suggests, will allow PLDT to efficiently bring broadband services to virtually all of Meralco’s 24 million customers concentrated in Metro Manila and nearby areas at a minimal cost.

The technology will allow the company to deliver Internet services to households using Meralco’s network of power lines in Metro Manila.

PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said tests for the BPL technology in parts of Malabon, which started in July, have been on-going.

“I’ve seen what the [BPL] can do, and it seems to be doing fine,” he told reporters earlier this week.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Pangilinan said, adding that a more widespread roll-out of the service would be realistic in six to 12 months.

Despite the popularity of online gaming and social networking sites in the country, Internet usage in the Philippines is still far from being as widespread as it is in neighboring countries in the region.

Only one in every five Filipinos has access to the web, as compared to other Asian countries like Korea and Singapore, where almost everyone is online.

By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Starting on Sunday, the public will only pay for the time they actually use making mobile phone calls.

The National Telecommunications Commission announced on Saturday a new “per pulse” rate for voice calls on cellular phones
which will make billing more reflective of the real costs of a call.

The new scheme does not change the per-minute cost of cell phone calls but it will reflect calls lasting less than a minute.

Under the new rates, telecom
firms will be allowed to charge a "flagdown" rate of P3 for the first two pulses, or a total of 12 seconds. Every succeeding pulse will then be billed. Each minute has 10 six-second pulses.

To illustrate, assuming the prevailing rate is P7.50 per minute, every pulse after the flagdown rate will cost 56 centavos. After the first minute, the per-pulse charge will increase to 75 centavos.

The resulting cost of a call per minute will still be P7.50 but calls under one minute will cost less. A 30-second call will cost P4.69.

The new billing scheme takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday for calls made within one network.

Calls made from one network to another will be covered by the per-pulse billing on Dec. 16, the NTC said, to give telecom firms more time to adjust.

“The NTC issued a landmark regulation directing all cellular mobile operators to implement a six-second pulse billing mode on mobile calls to take effect on Dec. 6,” Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a briefing in Quezon City.

The new directive is a result of a memorandum circular issued by the NTC in July after Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile criticized their billing system.

1. Turn the vibrate function off. The vibrate function is great if you’re at a football game, or in the Office, but for around the house or running errands the function isn't necessary and takes more battery power than the ring tone by itself.

2. Most cell phones come with a few different backlight settings. Set yours to the shortest time until the backlight turns off and/or turn it off completely during the day.

3. Turn off your phone. Although this is pretty self explanatory when you are not planning on using or answering your phone for a while turn it off rather than on silent or vibrate.

4. Some phones have a power save function like computer monitors where after a certain amount of time the phone goes idle. Have yours turned on at all times.

5. If your phone has blue tooth capability, make sure you have it disabled when it is not in use.

6. Limit the use of the camera, video camera, and internet as much as possible when you know it could be some time until your battery gets its next charge.

7. Keep calls short. This does seem pretty obvious but keeping calls short greatly increases your battery life.

8. Lower your ring tone. Apart from saving your hearing, lowering the volume on your ring tone helps your battery last longer.
9. Use non-animated screen savers. Animated screen savers use a great deal more energy than the regular non-animated.

10. Finally the # 1 cell phone battery killer, signal searching. If you are in an area where you receive little or no signal your phone will constantly search for signal consistently draining your battery. If you have poor reception turn off your phone until you have better signal.

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net

A migrants group on Friday condemned the killing of the children of a Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia and called on authorities to arrest those responsible for their death.

Migrante-Middle East said on Friday said that the murder of the three Dapitan children in Davao City was “very outrageous, nerve-cracking, and a work of a despicable person who deserves nothing but punishment of incarceration for a lifetime,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-ME regional coordinator.

Migrante said the three Dapitan childrenâ€"Maribel, 15; Marvin, 12; and Melvin, 10â€"were found beaten to death inside their home in Purok 1, Manay Village last December 2.

The three children died while their parents were away. Their mother was in Leyte province, while their father was an overseas worker in Saudi.

Monterona said Migrante-Davao officers have gone to the crime scene and reported that authorities initially reported that the killings could have been drug-related as there was no forcible entry inside the Dapitan home.

When sought for comment, Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango of Davao region police said they have filed appropriate charges against the suspects but did not elaborate.

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net

A former beauty queen and actress was arrested by anti-narcotics agents for alleged illegal possession of drugs and drug peddling in Mandaluyong City, the police chief said Friday.

In a phone interview, Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun said Aurora Sevilla was reportedly caught selling some 0.5 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) worth P1,000 to a certain Rodney Chuidian at the boundary of Sta. Ana, Manila and Mandaluyong around 10 p.m. Thursday.

Police also found in Sevilla’s possession another 0.2 grams of shabu worth P200, de Sagun said.

However, the former actress denied and claimed that she was merely going to the nearby casino in the area, even after she was positively identified by Chuidian.

Chuidian was also arrested and he and Sevilla are both facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Both are now detained at the Mandaluyong City police.

De Sagun said this was not the first time that Sevilla was arrested for drug peddling.

Sevilla was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas in 1984. She entered the entertainment industry and starred opposite several action stars.

BBC News - Amanda Knox's aunt Janet Huff on killing conviction

Janet Huff gave her reaction to an Italian court convicting her niece Amanda Knox for the killing of British student Meredith Kercher.

By Lily O Ramos

Boasting of more than 115 million worldwide members, Friendster, one of the world's leading global social website is targetting at least 70 per cent of Asia's burgeoning youth subscribers between ages 16 to 24 with a redesigned system.

Friendster's, Ben Dunn, vice president and global head of brand experience based in Mountainview, California said on Friday's press launch at the Fort's Global City in Taguig that a new brand and web site packed with new features that focuses on fun, relevance and simplicity.

"Building on Friendster's position as a leading social network, the redesigned site is a clean, simple approach to sharing, communication and customization," Dunn told mediamen.

Saying that recently published figures show that Friendster's strength in Asia's youth is the largest and faster growing region of the world for internet and and mobile phone usage, Dunn rattled some new features like-- Friendster.com is more colorful, entertaining and fun.

What's more, the site is more simple and easier due to favorite features like Shoutouts, messaging, friends, games, comments, editing profile, birthdays and bulletins.

The user has a new homepage. Once users log into the new Friendster, the first thing they'll find are ll the important stuff they want--their friends and new updates.

More info on the Profile Page: Newly designed "About Me" section at the top with larger version of their primary picture and a new "Profile Progress" to express progress towards a complete profile.

Easier Sharing-- Forwarding content to friends and sharing photos with your network is easier, through icons within Network Activity Stream, and their Shoutouts and Shoutout Stream.

The Friendster Gift Shop-- Users can now send gifts to friends. The new Gift Shop helps users show their friends they care and the new Treasure Chest means users can show off special gifts they receive in return. They can also send gifts to one another quickly and conveniently.

The new Friendster Wallet-- New coins can be spent or store on Friendster in a currency called Friendster Coins, which can be spent for buying gifts, new and upcoming goods and services.

Users can buy physical pre-paid cards at thousands of offline locations throughout Asia such as 7-Eleven. The

Friendster Wallet can receive accounts and it comes with 1,500 Friendster chips.

Dunn said most of the new services will be available in the first three months of 2010. (PNA)

Cebu Pacific (CEB), Asia’s third largest low-cost carrier, is offering a system-wide seat sale for as low as P999 from Dec. 5 and 6, 2009, for travel from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2010.

All of CEB’s 32 domestic destinations are up for grabs at the ‘Go Lite’ seat sale fare of P999. This includes direct flights from Cebu to Butuan and Surigao, as well as flights from Manila to Kalibo (Boracay), Naga, San Jose (Mindoro) and Laoag.

CEB also flies direct from Davao to Zamboanga, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.

Passengers can also avail of P999 ‘Go Lite’ seats from Manila to Taipei and Kota Kinabalu, and from Clark to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok.

Flights from Manila to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Macau and Guangzhou, and flights to Hong Kong and Singapore from Manila and Cebu are also available for only P1,499.

Passengers flying to Incheon from Manila or Cebu, and to Pusan from Cebu can avail of the ‘Go Lite’ fare of P1,999. They can also opt to travel from Manila to Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta.

Those with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking.

Manila-Osaka seats are also available at the ‘Go’ fare of P1,999.

“We have the most extensive network in the Philippines, bringing people to their destinations faster and with more convenience. Seat sales like this offering CEB’s trademark low fare alternative give every Juan’s 2010 domestic and international travel an additional boost,” said CEB vice president for marketing and distribution, Candice Iyog.

Iyog said those still planning to book this December can also check the seat availability on the extra flights we mounted especially for the holiday season.

The airline has the most number of flights, routes and destinations in the country using a fleet of 21 Airbus A320 and eight ATR72-500 aircraft, which is one of the youngest in Asia. (PNA)

BBC News - Knox family leaves court
Footage of the Knox family leaving an Italian court after guilty verdicts were delivered.

Amanda Knox's father, Curt Knox, jostled with photographers and when asked if the family would appeal against the verdict, he said: "Hell, yes."

BBC News - Kercher murder trial - verdict announced

Amanda Knox and her former boyfriend are found guilty in Italy of murdering British student Meredith Kercher in 2007.

BBC News - Profile: Meredith Kercher

Former lovers Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito have been found guilty of cutting British student Meredith Kercher's throat after she refused to take part in a drug-fuelled sex session at her flat in Italy in November 2007.

The 21-year-old, from Coulsdon, Surrey, had just started a one-year course under the Erasmus programme of international exchanges to study modern history, political theories and the history of cinema.

Before leaving for Italy at the end of August 2007, she had been reading European studies at the University of Leeds.

Described as sociable and loving by friends and family, pictures show her smiling broadly.

BBC News - Scores killed in Russia blast

At least 90 people have died following an explosion at a nightclub in the Russian city of Perm. Officials said fireworks caused the blast and that most victims had died from smoke inhalation.

I HOPE MY “CABALENS” (PRO-vincemates) in Pampanga will reject Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. I fear a nationwide backlash against us should GMA succeed in taking back the country’s No. 1 post through Charter change.

It might be a case of history repeating itself. Not so long ago, Kapampangans were branded as traitors because of the role played by the inhabitants of one town (Macabebe) in the capture of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. After that event, all the Kapampangans were branded as traitors. It was quite unfair considering that many Kapampangans were at the forefront of the Philippine Revolution (e.g., Generals Jose Alejandrino, Francisco Makabulos, Serviliano Aquino, Mamerto Natividad, Maximino Hizon and Mariano Llanera). Many of them died for the cause.

Should one district in Pampanga bring back GMA to the No. 1 post (as prime minister), the whole of Pampanga might be again blamed for the “sin” committed by one district. And the tag on us as traitors might be resurrected.

â€"GEORGE M. HIZON, PDI, Letter to the Editor

By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Supreme Court has upheld the six-month jail term meted out on Lintang Bedol, the former chair of the Maguindanao provincial board of canvassers, for contempt in connection with the Commission on Elections’ probe into the alleged poll fraud in the province during the May 2007 elections.

In an 18-page decision, the Supreme Court denied Bedol’s plea for a preliminary injunction to stop the Comelec from imposing the jail term and the P1,000 fine on one of the persons allegedly involved in cheating in the last elections.

The high court upheld the Comelec’s authority to conduct investigations as an adjunct to its constitutional duty to enforce and administer all election laws.

The court said the Comelec was exercising its quasi-judicial power in pursuit of the truth behind allegations of massive fraud during the elections in Maguindanao.

The high tribunal held that the Comelec’s investigation was derailed by Bedol’s refusal to appear during the scheduled hearings and to answer questions regarding various election documents which, Bedol said, had been stolen while they were in his possession and custody.

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer

A LAWYER HAS ASKED the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the certificates of candidacy of former Senators Franklin Drilon and Sergio Osmeña III.

In two separate motions filed with the Comelec Friday, lawyer Vladimir Cabigao said Drilon and Osmeña should be disqualified from the senatorial race because they have “not completed the prohibitory of one term, or six years” from their last term in 2007.

The one-term interval from their last tenure is required for senators who have served two consecutive terms, Cabigao argued.

Both Drilon and Osmeña are running for the Senate under the Liberal Party banner.

Drilon, a former Senate president, and Osmeña, did not run in the 2007 mid-term elections as the Charter bans them from serving more than two consecutive terms, which amounts to 12 years each.

Osmeña is running as an independent in the 2010 polls, but the LP has reserved a slot for him.

Cabigao said the two ex-senators could only seek another term “in the 2013 elections” when they would have completed the “six years or one term interval to comply with the constitutional mandate that no Senator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.”

Pending the resolution of the petition, Cabigao asked the Comelec to exclude the names of Drilon and Osmeña from the ballots.

Cabigao is running for councilor in Manila under LA Atienza, son of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, who formed a breakaway group from Drilon in LP. Cabigao, in an interview, said he would withdraw from the race.

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

With barely six months to go before the 2010 national elections, President Macapagal-Arroyo’s chief political strategist has resigned to undergo intensive rehabilitation treatment for a spinal condition.

Gabriel Claudio, the presidential adviser on political affairs, is quitting even as the President is embroiled in yet another controversy over her decision to run for a congressional seat in her Pampanga home province.

Claudio’s resignation takes effect Saturday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced Claudio’s resignation and his temporary replacement by Prospero Pichay, a ruling party official and former congressman who now heads the Local Water Utilities Administration at a press briefing Friday.

Yet Claudio, said his resignation was not a sudden decision and should not become an occasion for malicious speculation.

“I hope nobody ascribes any political motive or angle to this resignation because there is none. It’s just a back problem that needs a back job. So I hope there is no backbiting,” he said.

By Kristine Alave
Phil Daily Inquirer

Vice-President Noli De Castro lashed back Friday at Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez for insinuating that the country would be worse off if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo resigned and the vice president took over.

Saurez, in a talk on Thursday, said the Philippines would be in a dire situation if De Castro became president at this time of economic difficulties.

“Assuming she would have to resignâ€"I’m not belittling the capacity of Vice President De Castro [to take up the reins of government]â€"we’re now facing a recession, bank run, collapse of financial giants. I think Vice President De Castro would have a problem in confronting these issues,” Suarez said.

De Castro, in a statement, said he has a constitutional duty to perform if the President steps down. "Recession or not, that duty remains,” he said.

He lashed back at people who look down on his capabilities, saying they should worry about their performance instead of scrutinizing him.

“Rather than cast doubt on constitutional succession, those who question my capability should perhaps look at the mirror first to see what they have done for their constituents,” De Castro said.

He pointed out that he has been a public servant since he joined the media and became a senator and then vice-president in 2004.

Calls for Arroyo’s resignation have been made anew after she filed a certificate of candidacy for Congress last Tuesday.

"TILL death do us part". Kini ang pahayag ni Arjie Gulipato, hinigugma ni John Caniban sa Punto Weekly news nga apil sa mga biktima sa mangilgig nga masaker sa sitio Masalay barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Dungan sa misa sa patay'ng lawas ni Caniban sulod sa simbahan sa Miracle of Life Born Again Christian, gihimo sab ang seremonya sa kasal nga gipangulohan ni Pastor Ed Gabuat.

Kadaghanan sa mga tawo nakahilak, human makita ang dalaga suot ang puti nga gown nga mipaso uban ang lungon nga gibutngan sa patay'ng lawas sa iyang hinigugma.

Si John ug Arjie dugay na nagplano nga magpakasal, apan wala kini maduso tungod kay padayon pa sab silang nagtigum og kwarta nga ikagasto. Sila may anak nga walo ka bulan.

Sumala pa nga gikatakda na unta karong Disyembre 17 ang kasal sa duha ug sagad sa mga ninong nga kuhaon mga sakop sa media.

Ang pamilya sa biktima way puas sa pagsinggit og hustisya sa gidangatan sa ilang banay, lakip na ang ubang biktima. (Edgardo Fuerzas, Sun Star)

By Gareth A Davies
telegraph.co.uk

As to Pacquiao being “a machine”, Roach said: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of great fighters. From day 1 until now everything we’ve worked on has come into play. He’s a dangerous guy at this point in his life. He’s a machine. You wind him up, and let him go. He’s different. How many guys can go from 112lbs to 147lbs and still be competitive. He’s a throwback. Guys like him come once in a lifetime.”

A guy gave 3 roses for a girl.
The girl said: Oh, boy, you're so sweet and romantic, why did you give me 3 roses?

The boy said: Dili man gud ko pwede mopalit ug isa kay tag tulo-dyes man.

Si Botsoy nakabuak ug base sa usa ka museum.

Staff sa Museum: Hala ka, nakabuak ka ug base, 500 years old na ra ba na.

Botsoy: Hay... salamat... abi nako ug bag-o.

Dili man updated ang website sa Comelec. Hulat nalang ta kung naay taga-Guindulman nga mo-update nato diri.

Let's hope walay mobutar anang existing mayor sa Guindulman who ruthlessly masterminded the massacre of centuries-old acacia trees.

Question of the Hour: Is there any song you'll never grow tired of hearing?

Feeling stressed? A dose of dark chocolate could cheer you right up by lowering your stress hormone levels, a new study suggests.

Swiss researchers, who report their findings in the online issue of the Journal of Proteome Research, tracked volunteers who said they were highly stressed.

"The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40 grams [1.4 ounces] during a period of two weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of healthy human volunteers," wrote the researchers, from the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. The chocolate also appeared to help correct other imbalances in the body that are related to stress.

But won't chocolate make people gain weight? That's certainly possible, but the scientists pointed out that dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which are beneficial to health, and other substances that appear to reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions.

But until now, the researchers wrote, not much has been known about how chocolate affects stress. - healthday news

Men carry the seeds of their own destruction in the genes present in their sperm, research suggests.

Scientists working on mice have highlighted a specific gene that, although carried by both sexes, appears to be active only in males.

They believe it allows males to grow bigger bodies - but at the expense of their longevity.

The study, by Tokyo University of Agriculture, appears in the journal Human Reproduction.

Although the study was conducted on mice, the researchers believe it could apply to all mammals - including humans.

They studied mice created with genetic material from two mothers, but no father.

This was achieved by manipulating DNA in mouse eggs so the genes behaved like those in sperm.

The altered genetic material was implanted into the eggs of adult female mice to create embryos.

The resulting offspring, completely free of any genetic material inherited from a male, lived on average a third longer than mice with a normal genetic inheritance. - bbc news

Taylor Swift - Love Story
Love Story by Taylor Swift

[HQ] Love Story Taylor Swift meets Viva La Vida Coldplayâ€"Piano Celloâ€"by Jon Schmidt
Love Story Meets Viva La Vida
Arranged by Jon Schmidt

By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

While other Cabinet officials running for office face an uphill battle, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap is assured of a congressional seat as he is running unopposed in the third district of Bohol.

Yap is the bet of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

There was speculation earlier that incumbent third-district Representative Adam Relson Jala or his father, former congressman Eladio Jala, both members of the Lakas-Kampi, would challenge Yap. But Representative Jala, who is still eligible for reelection, filed his CoC for vice governor a few minutes before the deadline at midnight Tuesday.

The elder Jala, currently assistant secretary at the Department of Transportation and Communications, was rumored to have been offered a post at the Securities and Exchange Commission, but he has declined to issue any statement on the matter.

By Cathy C. Yamsuan
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Had she not joined the convoy that met a bloody end in Maguindanao province last week, lawyer Cynthia Oquendo would have turned 36 on Tuesday.

At home, Oquendo’s youngest son, Azzan, 4, persistently asks his father, Noel Ayon, and aunt Gemma about his mother’s whereabouts. The boy could only sleep well when his face was buried in his mother’s armpit, Gemma explained.

“I don’t know what to tell him. Noel and I would look at each other and cry whenever Azzan asks about his mother,” said Gemma, 33, a lawyer like her sister.

She said Azzan had asked her if she would like to become his new mommy. “Kawawa naman ako (Poor me),” she quoted him as saying.

UP forum

At this point, there was hardly a dry eye in the audience at the University of the Philippines’ College of Public Administration and Governance. They were attending the forum dubbed “Nobyembre 23: Harapin ang Katotohanan (November 23: Face the Truth).”

Ayon said his wife did not like grand celebrations. This meant that the family celebrated her birthday quietly as they did when she was alive.

“This is very painful to us. She did not live long enough to celebrate it,” he said.

Interviewed later, Ayon said his two older sonsâ€"Ino Sean, 6, and Gabriel Sean, 5â€"would fall quiet when told that their mother was already in heaven waiting for them.

“The 6-year-old understands it a little. But the little one, he is so innocent. And he always cries while looking for Cynthia. He asked me once to transfer his mommy to our bed because he so badly wanted to be with her. And he asks why she can’t sleep with us anymore,” Ayon said in tears.

Escape of sanity

“Now I understand the meaning of the term takasan ng katinuan (loss of sanity),” Gemma remarked at the forum.

“What I feel is greater than sorrow. But I am thankful for the outpouring of sympathy,” she added.

Oquendo and her colleague, Concepcion Brizuela, were among those who accompanied Genalin Mangudadatu in a convoy that passed Ampatuan town in Maguindanao on their way to file the certificate of candidacy for governor of Genalin’s husband, Esmael, the vice mayor of Buluan town.

The convoy didn’t reach the Commission on Elections office in Shariff Aguak town.

Photo presentation

At the start of the forum, Gemma let out a wail of anguish as photographs of the carnage were shown during a slide presentation.

One slide showed a male victim sprawled on the ground, half of his bloodied face blown off. Another was a photograph of a male whose visceral organs were spilling out of his shirt.

Ayon comforted Gemma as she shook uncontrollably. “I can’t look at the pictures … Our mother said we should go on with our lives but that is not easy,” Gemma said.

Leaders of advocacy and student groups took turns in chastising the government for turning a blind eye on warlordism that, they claimed, led to the bloodbath in Maguindanao.

More members of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD here are eyeing to join the Nacionalista Party (NP) as the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacies draw near.

Some aspirants belonging to the administration camp who have been jostling for official party nomination would be leaving Lakas-Kampi with the apparent anointment of their rivals.
       
HERRERA, ABAPO

A leading administration stalwart who is the president of the league of mayors, Catigbian Mayor Roberto Salinas was ditched by the party who favored former governor Rene Relampagos despite declaring his bid for the first district congressional seat.

Salinas was reportedly "shocked" to learn from gubernatorial candidate Rep. Edgar Chatto that he is not the anointed party bet for the first congressional district despite signifying his intention to run.

The Catigbian mayor have been seen campaigning in the towns of the first district the past weeks, reportedly spending "a significant amount" believing he secured foothold of the ruling coalition.

Yesterday, the provincial directorate of the Lakas-Kampi convened at the La Roca Hotel, where Relampagos was confirmed as the official bet for the first district.

Clinching official party nomination also had its toll on several mayoralty candidates and loyal party members of Lakas-Kampi.
         
The Nacionalista Party (NP) led by gubernatorial aspirant Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera benefited from the exodus of former Lakas-Kampi partymates with Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. as running mate. Abapo used to be Lakas-Kampi secretary general before he jumped to the NP.

As of presstime last night, Herrera's camp was in the process of completing its slate in the provincial level.

In the first district, the Bohol-NP taken City Kagawad Oscar Glovasa as its congressional bet for the 1st district while City councilor Danilo Bantugan will run for the provincial board (1st dist).

In the second district, NP will field for provincial board members businessman Gerry Garcia (Pres. C.P. Garcia), incumbent board member Josephine Socorro Jumamoy (Inabanga) and former Liga ng mga Barangay president Romulo Cepedoza.

Three aspirants have been named to be running for provincial board members in the 3rd district. They are incumbent board member Bienvinido Molina (Alicia), Philippine Councilors' League (PCL) president Brigido Imboy and Jagna municipal councilor Senen Lloren.

YAP-RELAMPAGOS BARGAIN

Rep. Chatto reportedly offered Salinas the position for board member of 1st district. But the latter refused and retorted to Chatto to let his wife, Pureza Chatto, to run instead.

Salinas inquired what made the party decide to accommodate Relampagos, who is not even a party member, the Chronicle source said Sec. Arthur Yap was vital for the naming of Relampagos as the Lakas congressional bet in the first district.

With this development, Salinas may run for re-election as Catigbian mayor for third term, the source said, saying the political realignment of Catigbian is expected to take shape. The source added that until now the slate of Lakas in said town has yet to be completed because they were awaiting for Salinas to settle for congressman.

The LMP boss was quoted as saying that he is still ready to run even outside Lakas but was prevailed upon since his kin wanted him to stay put with Lakas. - Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Chronicle: The much awaited Panglao Bohol International Airport will finally be subjected for bidding on Jan. 25, 2010 at the Manila International Airport Authority audio-visual room in Pasay City.

The date was prescribed in the invitation to bid which was published in yesterday's issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Gov. Erico Aumentado welcomed the development as it will ensure that the airport construction will not be affected by the election ban, thus, civil works can commence by the first or second quarter of next year.
         
The pre-bid conference is set on Dec. 14 for the Phase I of the airport project which amounted to P1.52 billion.

The entire project cost is P7.5 billion.

Chairman Roberto Uy of the bids and awards committee said that Phase I of the project will include cleaning and grubbing, excavation, embankment and drainage system of the airport.

The Phase I also includes the facilities for the engineer and employer, project vehicles, project equipment and survey equipment.

The publication of the invitation to bid officially signals the taking off of the airport development project which Gov. Aumentado together with other Lakas officials here demanded from Pres. Arroyo to commence before the election ban.

"It could be an election issue against us if the project could not commence before the May polls," the governor was quoted as telling the President during one of their meetings in Malacañang.

By Lara Jane Climaco

Unemployment does not breed but rather curbs insurgency, according to United States-based researchers who studied insurgency incidents in Iraq and the Philippines and how these relate to the rise and fall of unemployment rates in affected localities.

“Our findings of the relationship between unemployment and insurgency in Iraq and the Philippines call into question the opportunity cost theory that dominates thinking in policy circles. These results suggest that any opportunity cost effects â€" at least in these two cases â€" are overshadowed by other forces,” the authors of a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) working paper said.

NBER is a private economic research group based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The working paper, titled “Do Working Men Rebel? Insurgency and Unemployment in Iraq and the Philippines,” was done by Eli Berman of University of California, San Diego; Joseph Felter of Stanford University; and Jacob N. Shapiro of Princeton University.

The authors said they analyzed the relationship between unemployment and insurgency to test the opportunity cost theory, which is central to development spending by governments. The opportunity cost theory rests on the notion that creating jobs would curb insurgency because working men wouldn’t have the time to participate in violent activities.

Their findings are based on separate statistical analysis of official data from Iraq and the Philippines. For the Philippines, they based their analysis on 21,000 individual internal security incidents reported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2001-2008 and unemployment rates in provinces with more than five percent Muslim population.

In both the Philippines and Iraq, they said there is no significant relationship between unemployment and insurgency incidents that led to civilian casualties. On the other hand, the data actually show that “unemployment predicts less violence.”

They said the negative correlation between unemployment and insurgency was tested and proven against various scenarios in the case of Iraq. The statistical analysis presents 95 percent confidence level that unemployment has nothing to do with insurgency in Iraq, according to the working paper. “The results are somewhat weaker for the Philippines but the correlation is consistently negative, especially in the more Muslim provinces where the insurgency is concentrated,” the authors said.

They said the results suggest policymakers need to rethink their development strategy, because unlike the case with crime rates in the U.S., the opportunity cost theory does not apply in both Iraq and the Philippines.

“The negative correlation of unemployment with violence indicates that aid and development efforts that seek to enhance political stability through short-term job creation programs may well be misguided,” they said. “Development funds might be directed instead at improving the quality of local government services, thereby inducing noncombatants to share intelligence about insurgents with their government and its allies.”

They said their findings bear out two hypotheses concerning counterinsurgency: first, that financial hardship makes it more conducive for government forces to gather intelligence on insurgents; and, secondly, that security measures like establishing checkpoints actually worsen unemployment in conflict areas because these impede the flow of goods and services. (PNA)

With three days left before the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy, the administration-backed Lakas-Kampi-CMD is almost complete in fielding their candidates province-wide for the 2010 elections.

Lakas standard bearer, Rep. Edgar Chatto who is running for governor said that except for about 10 municipalities, out of 47, the mayoralty and vice mayoralty bets are more or less complete as of last night.

Chatto's running mate is last termer Rep. Roberto Cajes while the congressional bets are former Gov. Rene Relampagos, last termer Gov. Erico Aumentado and Agri Secretary Arthur Yap for the first, second and third congressional districts, respectively.

Reports reaching the Chronicle bared the sudden entry of Relampagos after representations made by Yap. It may be noted that Relampagos was previously registered in the district where Yap is now running for a congressional seat.

Relampagos' political party Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) is a coalesced party with the administration Lakas-Kampi.
         

The former governor confirmed his congressional bid after consultation with his first degree cousin, Prov'l Board Member Yul Lopez who earlier announced his congressional plans. In order to avoid a family feud, Relampagos and Lopez consulted the barangay leaders in Loon, their hometown. In a signed manifesto published in this issue the Loon municipal officials led by Mayor Llyod Peter Lopez, expressed their support to Relampagos' congressional candidacy. The manifesto was also signed by BM Lopez himself and former Constitutional Convention delegate Chito Castillo, a respected uncle of both political leaders.

Until presstime, Catigbian Mayor Bert Salinas who was earlier reported as the Lakas 1st congressional district aspirant could not be reached for comments on the party's decision to pick the former governor in the Lakas slate.

The 10-man ticket for provincial board members was not yet finalized until presstime.

Only five names were confirmed for the slate as of last night. They were re-electionists BM Yul Lopez, BM Ae Damalerio (1st district), BM Aster Piollo and BM Josil Trabajo (3rd district).

BM Josephine Jumamoy was the lone name mentioned for the board member in the second district while the other contenders were still under party discussion.

In the city, the administration party emerged as ready for its line-up as they finalized their slate last Friday evening during a party caucus at the residence of Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso.

Veloso's running mate is Poblacion II Barangay Captain Glorivic Yap-De la Serna, a known leader identified with former City Mayor Joe Torralba.

Health Day News: Exposure to high levels of the controversial plastics chemical bisphenol A (BPA) significantly raised the risk of sexual dysfunction, including impotence and low sex drive, among Chinese factory workers, a new study has found.

The researchers stressed that the workers were exposed to BPA levels about 50 times higher than what most Chinese or Americans would be exposed to in everyday life.

Even so, they said the study adds to a growing body of research that shows that the ubiquitous chemical may be harmful to humans. BPA, used to make polycarbonate plastic (hard, clear plastic) and epoxy resin, is found in electronic and medical equipment, cars, sports safety equipment, and food and drink containers, including plastic bottles and the lining of cans.

"We found that male workers who had high exposure to BPA in the workplace had a much higher risk of male sexual dysfunction compared to other workers in the same city who were matched for age and other factors," said lead study author Dr. De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. "A caveat here is those workers did have a much higher BPA exposure than most Americans or Chinese in the general population."

By Judy Quiros

The number of HIV cases in Davao City has increased this year compared to previous year, according Dr. Jing Ramiterre of the reproductive health and wellness center of the City Health Office (CHO) here.

Ramiterre, in a press forum on Tuesday, said Davao City for this year posted 47 cases of HIV compared to last year’s 39. Of the 47 cases this year, 10 were dead and 37 were still living.

In Mindanao, she said as of October this year, there were 78 registered cases of HIV, 60 percent of which was from Davao City, and majority of those infected were males.

Of the infected males, most were homosexuals and heterosexuals, Ramiterre said.

Ages of the victims ranged from 20 to 35.

Ramiterre said 98 percent of the mode of transmission of the HIV was sexual in nature.

She said it’s sad to note that the stigmas on HIV infected persons were still high. For the homosexuals, the stigma is double because they are still hounded by the effects of gender problem.

Alma Mondragon of Alagad Mindanao said that “the gender problem confronting them (homosexuals) is a factor of not accessing to medical services.”

Ramiterre and Mondragon are one in saying there is still a need to step up the implementation of the provisions laid down under the 2002 Davao City Aids Ordinance, particularly on information and dissemination campaign and on the issue of non-discrimination of those infected.

Do you believe that global warming is just a political propaganda?

Cataracts are an eye condition characterized by a cloudiness of the eye's lens. They usually develop slowly as a person gets older.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of cataract symptoms:

1. Vision that appears foggy or cloudy; as if there's a film over the eye.
2. Inability to see colors as vividly as before.
3. Seeing double.
4. Problems seeing well at night.
5. Seeing an aura or halo surrounding lights.
6. Increased sensitivity to glaring lights.
7. Difficulty in differentiating shapes or similar colors.

-- Diana Kohnle, Health Day News

Somali pirates have captured a tanker carrying oil to the US, officials say.

The Greek-owned Maran Centaurus was about 1,300km (800 miles) off Somalia when it was hijacked on Sunday, said the EU Naval task force (Navfor).

The ship weighs some 300,000 tonnes and is believed to be one of the largest yet seized by Somali pirates. There are 28 crew members on board.

Pirate attacks have been common off the Somali coast and international navies have been deployed to counter them.

A spokesman for the Greek coastguard told Reuters news agency that about nine armed pirates attacked the ship close to the Seychelles.

The agency reported the Greek defence ministry as saying that a Greek navy frigate which had been involved with the Navfor operation was now shadowing the vessel.

Navfor said the ship had been sailing to New Orleans in the US from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia but was now heading towards Somalia.

Its crew is made up of 16 Filipinos, nine Greeks, two Ukrainians and one Romanian.

Maran Tankers Management, which operates the vessel, told Reuters the crew were "well". - BBC

Pampanga political leaders, as well as the local folks, are rejoicing in the decision of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to run for congresswoman in the second district of the province in next year's elections.

"After much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call. To that end, I will file my certificate of candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my home province," the President said in a recorded statement aired over government-run dzRB on Monday.

For Pampanga mayors and other local executives, this announcement made by the Chief Executive is a welcome development for the whole province.

Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, who is also the spokesman of the Pampanga Mayors' League, said they are very much happy that the President finally heeded their clamor to continue serving them as a lawmaker.

Floridablanca Mayor Eduardo Guerrero, for his part, thanked Mrs. Arroyo for taking into consideration their appeal, saying the Chief Executive, if elected in Congress, could be of great help to the local government executives in terms of job generation and attracting more investments in the region.

Guagua Mayor Ricardo Rivera likewise expressed his deep appreciation of the President’s political decision.

"The President is familiar in good governance and she knows what are the needs of her constituents. That’s why we are very much happy with her decision," Rivera said.

The Chief Executive is set to visit Lubao, her hometown, on Tuesday to attend mass at 9 a.m. and subsequently will deliver a short message to her "cabalens" (provincemates) before her duly authorized representative files her certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in this city.

Atty. Romulo Macalintal, Mrs. Arroyo's official political spokesperson, said the representative will be accompanied by Pampanga mayors who initiated the clamor for the President to continuously serve them as a congresswoman so that their province could reach full development. (PNA)

By Daily Mail Reporter

A mother of two was killed as she prepared for a party to celebrate her divorce.

The body of Katrina Jones, 34, was found with stab wounds on Friday afternoon in her home after police received reports of a domestic disturbance.

Neighbours watched as her ex-husband Brian Jones, 63, was led crying from the house in handcuffs.

Earlier that day Miss Jones had put banners reading 'Divorce Party' in the windows of the house in Marske, near Middlesbrough.

Neighbours said the nine-year marriage had run into trouble last year and Mrs Jones, a housewife, filed for divorce this February.

The couple had an 11-year-old son, while Mrs Jones also had an 18-year-old son from a previous relationship who does not live with the family.

Neighbours said it was the third marriage for bodybuilding nightclub bouncer Mr Jones.

They claimed he had a flat elsewhere but had moved in with an elderly neighbour next door to his former wife.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: 'By about 3.10pm the street was swarming with police officers and I knew something serious had happened because there was a forensic team in white suits. No one knows how she died yet but we are all absolutely shocked.

'She was a really bubbly woman and she had moved on from the split with Brian - she had a new partner.

As verified by the mission, the complete list of the 30 “media martyrs” of Maguindanao is as follows:

• Adolfo, Benjieâ€"Gold Star Daily, Koronadal City

• Araneta, Henryâ€"radio dzRH, General Santos City

• Arriola, Mark Gilbert “Mac-Mac”â€"UNTV, General Santos

• Bataluna, Rubelloâ€"Gold Star Daily, Koronadal

• Betia, Arturoâ€"Periodico Ini, General Santos

• Cabillo, Romeo Jimmyâ€"Midland Review, Tacurong City

• Cablitas, Maritesâ€"News Focus, General Santos

• Cachuela, Hannibalâ€"Punto News, Koronadal

• Caniban, Johnâ€"Periodico Ini, General Santos

• Dalmacio, Leaâ€"Socsargen News, General Santos

• Decina, Noelâ€"Periodico Ini, General Santos

• Dela Cruz, Ginaâ€"Saksi News, General Santos

• Dohillo, Eugeneâ€"UNTV, General Santos

• Duhay, Jhoyâ€"Gold Star Daily, Tacurong

• Gatchalian, Santosâ€"dxGO, Davao City

• Legarte, Bienvenido Jr.â€"Prontiera News, Koronadal

• Lupogan, Lindoâ€"Mindanao Daily Gazette, Davao City

• Maravilla, Ernesto “Bart”â€"Bombo Radyo, Koronadal

• Merisco, Reyâ€"Periodico Ini, Koronadal

• Momay, Reynaldo “Bebot”â€"Midland Review, Tacurong

• Montaño, Marife “Neneng”â€"Saksi News, General Santos

• Morales, Rosellâ€"News Focus, General Santos

• Nuñez, Victorâ€"UNTV, General Santos

• Perante, Ronnieâ€"Gold Star Daily correspondent, Koronadal

• Parcon, Joelâ€"Prontiera News, Koronadal

• Razon, Fernando “Rani”â€"Periodico Ini, General Santos

• Reblando, Alejandro “Bong”â€"Manila Bulletin, General Santos

• Salaysay, Napoleonâ€"Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City

• Subang, Ianâ€"Socsargen Today, General Santos

• Teodoro, Andres “Andy”â€"Central Mindanao Inquirer, Tacurong

They bring to 134 the number of journalists killed in the Philippines since 1986.

Of the total, 74 cases, or more than half, were recorded from 2001 under the watch of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo.
Report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

By FRED C. FUERTES
   
At long last, the Bohol Diocesan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BDMPC) will have a home of its own.

Bishop Leonardo Medroso laid the cornerstone of the gigantic edifice in rite Friday, last week at the actual site along CPG East Avenue, this city. The top diocesan head was assisted by Fr. Glicerio "Kiking" Magdoza, chairman of the Board of Directors of the cooperative.

The historic event was witnessed by their members of the board, officers of the aggrupation and other stakeholders.         

Bishop Medroso, in the middle of the blessing rites, urged BDMPC leaders and members to unite for a common cause - the early completion of the multi-million project.

The other speakers included Fr. Magdoza, Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog and Congressional Chief of Staff Isabelito Tongco who representated 1st District Congressman Edgar Chatto.

"Let us dream while we're awake and put realization to this dream," the Boholano vicar-general and parish priest of the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral stressed.

BACS I Academic Supervisor Winefreda Flores, a board member, emceed the proceedings.

Engr. Avelia Apayor De Vera and Architect Alberto Tocomo will undertake the construction of the building, a dream come true. - Bohol Chronicle

By ARIEL E. FULLIDO

The lovable Sesame Street characters Bernie, Ernie, and Elmo, all originally from the US, will visit Island City Mall on December 4, Friday, from 10 AM to 3 PM, at the Activity Center, in a mall tour dubbed as "Growing Up with Sesame Street."

Presented by Viva Video, Inc., the Sesame Street Mall Tour also features a magic show, games and raffle of giveaways for the kids, dance number, free Henna tattoo, Glitter tattoo, face painting, film showing, photo session with the mascots and a lot more. Kids and the whole family can take part in any of the fun-filled activities for every purchase of any Sesame Street video products, which are distributed locally by Viva Videos and are available in video retail chains and outlets around the Philippines.

Sesame Street is the longest running children's show on US television, and well known for its playful puppets created by Jim Henson, father of the legendary "Muppet Show."

It premiered on November 10, 1969, and became an international phenomenon for children's television, running all the way through 140 countries around the world. Aimed at children aged two to six, the series has earned 122 Emmy Awards.

The legendary educational puppet program, which taught generations of children the basics of reading, writing and counting, celebrates its 40th anniversary this month with a guest appearance from US First Lady Michelle Obama.

By ARIEL E. FULLIDO

The Alturas Group of Companies once again expresses its benevolence and concern for the less fortunate Boholanos by making monetary donations of P135,980 to the three beneficiaries, the top-rated radio program "Tagbilaran-By-Nite" of DYRD/DYZD, Sunshine Home, and the Free Clinics.

Alturas top management headed by Alturas PR/Marketing Manager, Loy M. Palapos, turned-over the P85,980 check to anchorman Jerry Pabi at station DYRD last Friday, November 27, together with Mr. Peter Dejaresco, manager of Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation.
         
A P20,000 check was also given to Sunshine Home, an orphanage managed by Catholic Women's League (CWL) Foundation Inc., when the Alturas Group of Companies also renewed its commitment to help the street children. The donated amount was also turn-over last Friday, November 27, to Sunshine Home Executive Director, Mrs. Esperanza L. Relampagos; together with Mrs. Anita Dospueblos, Sunshine Home Asst. Executive Director; and Mrs. Caridad Auza, Sunshine Home treasurer.

The remaining amount of P30,000 goes to the Free Clinics, an annual medical outreach project were thousands of patients availed themselves of free medication and consultation.

The P135,980 total donations were the bulk of the gross proceeds in the ticket sales of the highly successful Alturas Drum and Bugle Corps Showdown 2009, which was held last November 22, at the CPG Sports Complex.

The Alturas Group of Companies has to date donated hundreds of thousands of pesos to DYRD's "Tagbilaran-By-Night" and Sunshine Home. The donations are given annually and are used as monetary aid to helpless folks, especially those who turn to the radio station to seek assistance. Most pleas for help involve urgent or emergency cases like hospitalization and medicine purchases for indigent Boholanos.

By the Bohol Chronicle

Court hearings on the class suit seeking to cancel the contract of the City Square project hit a snag after counsels of the defendants asked the presiding judge to rule on the validity of the three petitioning lawyers' claim that they represent the taxpayers and residents of Tagbilaran.        

DE LA SERNA, LIM, OCHAVILLO
Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Patsita Sarmiento-Gamutan has been asked by the counsels of the city government and private defendants Ko Beng Sum and Juan Apostol to determine whether lawyers Victor de la Serna, Alexander Lim and Zotico Ochavillo "have a standing in the case" and claim that they are indeed right in filing a class suit in behalf of "The People of Tagbilaran".

However, this is viewed by De la Serna as a "delaying tactic" by lawyers of the city government and the consortium.

The defendants' counsels argued that the three lawyers, acting as plaintiffs, could not show in the complaint that they were sufficiently numerous and representative of city residents and taxpayers.

For the absence of such requirement in a class action, the lawyers of the city government and private complainants want the petition dismissed.
   
THowever, Judge Gamutan ordered the said counsels to submit their respective amplified motions on the issue and whether it should be resolved first before the court proceeds with the hearings for the merits of the case and the issuance of an injunction.

De la Serna, Lim and Ochavillo filed a complaint at the RTC to declare the rehabilitate-operate-transfer (ROT) contract between the city government and the consortium led by businessmen Ko and Apostol as "null and void".

Judge Gamutan ordered for the hearing of the merits of the case due to the City Square.

De la Serna told the Chronicle that they just want the case to move on and they will counter the motion of the defendants regarding their standing in the case.

Gamutan will still schedule the next hearings after the counsels of the defendants have submitted their motions.

Lawyers De la Serna, Lim and Ochavillo maintains that the ROT contract puts the city government and the taxpayers of Tagbilaran at a financial disadvantage since the consortium will only be paying P5 million as monthly rental to the city.

The three lawyers said in their complaint that nearby commercial
lots are being rented out at least five times more than the rental stated in the ROT agreement.

A candidate for governor and congressman in the first district were among the first to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections.

A certain Jetor Torres Ramada from barangay Tagbuane, Albur town filed his candidacy for governor while Mario Magat, Jr. of Mansasa district, this city, is running for congressman in the first district.
       
Both are running as independent bets.

The two added to the list of early registrants at the office of Prov'l Comelec Supervisor Eliseo Lavaria.

The first to file was Dr. Mutya Tirol Macuno who is running for provincial board member. She is the eldest daughter of former Gov. David Tirol and BM Amalia Tirol who is running for mayor in the town of Ubay.

The fourth to file his COC was international mariner Norberto Mendez, Jr. who is running for city councilor under the slate of Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso.

Meanwhile, Comelec offices will be opened today and tomorrow, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., even if tomorrow is a holiday.

These offices will accept COCs until Tuesday midnight which is the last day of filing. - The Bohol Chronicle

By BEN CAL

Communist insurgency in Bohol has been crushed, making Bohol the first province in the entire country to meet the deadline set by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to defeat the New People's Army (NPA) before she steps down next year.

This was declared by Bohol Gov. Erico B. Aumentado and Col. Allan Luga, commander of the 802nd Brigade of the Philippine Army based on the island province some 600 kilometers south of Manila.

Aumentado made the announcement during its regular session at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran Ciy last Tuesday.

The session was attended by a delegation from Columbia from the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace led by Alejandro Eder, political advisor of the Office of the High Presidential Counselor for Reintegration.

Other members of the Columbian delegation were Miguel Suarez, Ms. Maria Lucia Uepigue and Ms. Andrea Salazar.

While in Bohol they interviewed former rebels and local officials from the towns of Danao, Sagbayan and Carmen where they were briefed on the Social Integration of the Program (SIP) of the government being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under Secretary Annabelle T. Abaya.

They were also given an overview of the Philippine experience in containing insurgency through its highly-tested clear-hold-consolidate and develop strategy.

When Aumentado was elected governor in 2001, he ordered a sustained development effort, particularly in the countryside to bring the government closer to the people.

With the help of the military and police in clearing rebel-infested areas, the program proved to be a very successful strategy that eventually broke the backbone of the NPA operating in the province.

The national government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) activated the Social Integration Program (SIP) ensuring rebel returnees of livelihood.

A rebel who surrenders will be granted a P20,000 cash to start a small business for the sustenance of his family.

Under the SIP, a rebel who yields an M16 or M14 rifle will be given P50,000 and another P50,000 in kind such as water buffalo, hand tractor, tricycle or the like if a returnee qualifies after undergoing skills training conducted by government agencies.

Col. Luga also briefed the Columbian visitors how the communist movement had grown in the province of Bohol in the early ,80s and how it was crushed over a nine-year anti-insurgency drive launched in 2001 using the clear-hold-consolidate and develop strategy.

From a high of 436 rebels operating in Bohol in 2001, the NPA strength was down to zero at the end of October 2009.

"There are no more armed NPA rebels in Bohol. We have not monitored any rebel movement either," Luga said.

He also said that all the 115 barangays under the influence of the NPA in 2001have also been cleared.

Aside from conducting security operations
, the military also helped the construction of 24 school buildings in far-flung areas in Bohol that enabled thousands of children to go to school.

Luga cited the program of Gov. Aumentado that focused on the eradication of poverty incidence in the province.

"Poverty incidence was lowered from 53.6 percent to 23.2 percent in a matter of five years and continues to improve," Luga said in his briefing.

"Bohol's success story on counterinsurgency is attributed to sincere and good governance and the strong political will of Boholano leaders to curb poverty," he said.

Luga likewise cited the booming tourism industry in Bohol "is also attributed to good governance and the improving peace/security situation in the province."

Another big factor that helped the government crush the communist insurgency in the province was the activation of the Bohol Local Integrated Security System (BLISS) and social integration grants ordered by Aumentado to "negate enemy resurgence in the province," he added.

"There is definitely no military solution to an insurgency. The key is the partnership of the local government and other stakeholders," Luga said.

Terminating hostilities with rebel groups is one of the "Beat the Odds" program enunciated by President Arroyo before she steps down in office in 2010.

The others are balanced the budget, education for all, automated elections, transportation and digital infrastructure
, heal the wounds o EDSA I, II and III, electricity and water for all, opportunities for livelihood and ten million jobs, decongestion of Metro Manila and develop Subic and Clark.

The "Lambat Bitag" counter-insurgency program launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shortly after the 1986 EDSA revolt, dealt a heavy blow to the NPA.

From a peak of 25,800 in 1986, the NPA strength was down to less than 5,000 at the end of June 2009.

The decline of the NPA in Bohol started when Epitacio Ramirez, alias Commander Vargas surrendered in 2002 after 27 years in the communist movement.

Some 200 followers of Vargas followed suit when also returned to the fold law over a seven-year period, dwindling the NPA fighters operating in the province.

The Bohol provincial government also gave a resettlement area for former rebels in addition to the various livelihood programs.

A couple is facing charges of child labor, illegal recruitment or trafficking in persons under the law filed by parents of the victims.

The charges were filed against Jose Bransuela and his wife, Marlisa Bransuela, of Mabolo, Cebu City apparently for violation of Republic Act No. 9208 or Anti-Trafficking in Person Act by complainant-parents of the victims, whose identities are withheld.

Under the said law (RA 9208), it is "unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, (section 4 paragraph (g)) "To recruit, hire, adopt, transport or abduct a person, by means of threat or use of force, fraud, deceit, violence, coercion, or intimidation for the purpose of removal or sale of organs of said person."

If found guilty of the felony, the couple "shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of not less than P1 million but not more than P2 million."
         
The charges were filed last week before the National Labor Relations Commission, according to the joint committees on women/family and peace and order/public safety of the Sangguiang Panlalawigan chaired by Board Member Atty. Aster Piollo and Board Member Ma. Fe Camacho-Lejos, respectively.

The joint committees arrived at endorsing to NLRC upon the recommendation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) represented by Gerry Guidaben the filing of the charges against the Bransuelas during the committee meeting last week at the SP Conference Room at Capitol in this city last week.

According to the joint committees they invited the Bransuelas to the committee hearing but refused. The joint committees were told to let the minors come to Cebu to collect their dues (compensation).

The two minors aged 17 and 18 were hired to work with a promise they are to be given a "decent job" in Manila and each would receive P300 per day sometime in August 2009. The duo ended up in delivery of food stuff allegedly on foot for they were not given fare for transport, the joint committees learned.

The minors had cash advances of P3,000 each prior to their departure heading for home in Getafe, Bohol, the parents told the joint committees.

They were accompanied by their parents during the committee hearing.

Among those who participated in the said committee meeting include BM Josil Trabajo and BM Ester Corazon Galbreath, PInsp Nora Puot, officer-in-charge chief Tagbilaran airport, P03 Imelinda Basalo, in charge of the Women and Children Protection Desk at Camp Dagohoy. (RVO)